Health authorities are raising awareness about a rapidly spreading skin disease in Sri Lanka.
Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Janaka Akarawita, has raised concern over the recent surge in cases of Tinea, a fungal skin infection, being reported from various parts of the country.
Tinea, which has existed for a long time in the country, is now spreading at an unusually rapid rate. The infection affects various parts of the body, including the skin, hair, nails and even the face. It can spread easily through direct contact, shared clothing and surfaces.
“One of its main symptoms is intense itching, and it often appears on the skin in a ring-shaped pattern, which is why it’s referred to as ringworm”, said Dr. Akarawita.
The infection is especially common in moist or sweaty areas of the body and is frequently seen in children.
According to Dr. Akarawita, over the course of past 10 years, Tinea has been spreading more rapidly today and 1 in 5 or 20% of patients visiting dermatology clinics is diagnosed with Tinea. Compared to 10/15 years ago, when it was rare and showed only one or two patches on the skin, it has now become far more widespread.
Dr. Akarawita also warned that in many cases, the infection does not respond well to the treatments, making complete recovery difficult. He claims that this increasing number of patients and their resistance to medication have created a greater demand for more medications as well.
Health officials urge the public to maintain good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items and seek early medical attention if any symptoms appear. (Newswire)