Stefanus Nashama
Medical doctors say Ivermectin is not the prescribed medicine for treating scabies.
Benhard Haufiku, a medical doctor and clinical practitioner, stated that a medication known as Permethrin treats scabies infections.
Haufiku’s comments come after a recent report of a scabies outbreak in the overcrowded Ondandjaba police holding cells in the Omusati region, where 20 prisoners were reportedly receiving treatment.
The facility has a capacity of 60 but currently houses more than 100 prisoners.
“As far as I am aware, Ivermectin is not indicated or meant for treating scabies. It is intended to treat parasitic diseases. Ivermectin is an anti-worm infection medication mainly used for treating river blindness parasitic disease caused by two types of parasites, going by the following scientific names: Oncocercia volvulu and Stronguloides stracoralis,” he explained.
Scabies cases were reportedly increasing.
Haufiku clarified that mites, or their eggs, on human skin cause scabies, a skin condition.
He said this usually appears between fingers, on the buttocks, or other intertriginous areas of the human body.
He said the condition or infection is treated with a medical product called Permethrin.
According to Haufiku, permethrin comes in various trade or brand names, one of which is Skabi-Rid.
South Africa and India manufacture the medication.
“Skabi-Rid is mainly available in the form of a cream with about five percent strength, which is applied to the affected areas of the skin,” he said.
Apart from Skabi-Rid, Haufiku said that Tetmosol soap is also effective for cleaning the skin of a patient diagnosed with scabies.
Haufiku also advises that the most effective public health intervention is the sanitation of spaces such as bedrooms, bedding, and clothes, as well as avoiding contact with an infected person.
According to Haufiku, other areas where the disease spread included crowded settings such as prisons, army barracks, and school hostels.
“This is a huge challenge in settings such as our informal and crowded settlements, where it is almost practically impossible to isolate infected persons, and the cost and availability of sanitising chemicals may be another challenge. However, this remains the most effective intervention method at a community level,” he said.
Chathrine Higdock, a private dermatologist, also confirmed that Permethrin and Skabi-Rid are among the best medications for treating scabies.
She said that other medications may also effectively treat the condition.
“This depends on which medication you are exposed to and its history. I am sure there are still other medical doctors who would say Ivermectin can treat scabies, the same way some responded well to it for Corona treatment,” said Higdock.
Last week, the minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, said he was still busy with consultations to declare the ministry’s position on the matter.
“I am gathering information to be able to respond. Give sufficient time to do so,” said Shangula.
