Dr. Chyrell-Lyn Mananguite, a Filipino GP at Mediclinic Deira, shares that while many Filipinos are often confused and associate all skin diseases with ‘Galis’ or scabies, there is a stark difference between this disease and eczema.
“While eczema is often confused with scabies also known in the Filipino language as “galis”, they are entirely different. Eczema is primarily genetic, non-contagious and lifelong. Scabies is contagious via skin to skin contact,” explained Dr. Mananguite.
She furthered that scabies stems from the infestation of mites when they burrow and lay their eggs on the upper layer of the skin. This disease is treated with ease with a specific insecticide and cream.
“Scabies, once treated with topical permethrin or malathion insecticides that kill mites, will no longer recur unless there is re-infestation of the skin, unlike the “come and go” nature of eczema throughout life,” said Dr. Mananguite.
Children at risk
Dr. Mananguite also furthered that children experience the brunt of pain in dealing with eczema, a pain that’s shared emotionally with their parents who struggle to take care of their children. This is why she urges parents to immediately identify and recognize the disease at the earliest possible time.
“Having been in the UAE in the medical profession for almost 10 years, I have observed that children present more of the burden of eczema especially at the peak of a certain season. One of the most important aspects of the management of atopic eczema is the prompt recognition of the disease,” said Dr. Mananguite.
She also suggests that patients should always avoid scratching their skin. She also offered an alternative whenever the itch gets burdensome.
“Instead of scratching, we instruct patients to do light finger rubbing on the affected skin. Babies must have anti-scratch mittens to prevent them from rubbing the skin on surfaces. Nails must be kept short and clean. Light fine-weave or cotton clothing is advised. The temperature in the surrounding must be well regulated and not in extremes. The constant follow up of an AD patient to the attending physician for reassessment would mean a lot in the success of the treatment as it may need an early referral to a Dermatologist and possibly an Allergo-Immunologist aiming to pull back Eczema patients lead almost normal lives,” advised Dr. Mananguite.
