Health or Warmth: A Case of Mites
Mites are microscopic creepy crawlies that tunnel underneath the skin. Sometimes, you can see a thin, gray line on the surface of the skin where female mites have burrowed. The most uncomfortable symptom is the itchy mosquito-bite-like bumps you get all over your body. I should know because I’ve caught scabies — an infestation of mites — over five different times here in Peru.
I have become an expert when it comes to scabies treatment. To begin with, I put on permethrin lotion, which is an insecticide. As the permethrin is working its effects, we set the apartment up for fumigation and pull the tab on the can of Raid that will thoroughly clean out our small home. We then take Fénix the kitty out for the afternoon, until the apartment has finished fumigating.
I’m no Mother Theresa, but I consider myself a warm and caring person. I learned early that touch is one of most powerful ways humans can communicate with each other and that a single hug, handshake, hand on the shoulder and linking of the fingers can often mean so much more than what can be expressed by words. I believe that the world lacks the warmth of touch between people and one of the reasons I love the lifestyle here in Peru is because people are less afraid to show affection through touch.
Some friends and family have advised me to stop hugging people.
Have you ever hugged someone that others wouldn’t expect you to? Maybe a homeless person? What do you value more — health or warmth?
Tags: health in peru, infection, mites, permethrin, scabies, scabies in peru, scabies treatment
Bonnie
Oh my goodness but you sound so calm and matter of fact about the whole thing! lol I am not a fan of creepy crawlies at all. At the same time I am like you in that I do enjoy connecting through touch. It's a very powerful thing! Consider a mother's touch and how it can help calm and heal. I can't imagine seeing a friend sad and not comfort them.
I honestly don't know how I would handle such a decision health or warmth. Perhaps a middle ground? This actually brought to mind how people used to wear fancy gloves out and about lol. Time to bring that back?
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I didn't realize that I sounded so calm about it all. Maybe it's because I don't have scabies at the moment. =P
A mother's touch is one of the best examples, Bonnie! I always imagine the difference a mother makes when she kisses her child's "owie." Thanks for bringing this up!
Somehow, I think hugs and warmth come off a little differently all covered up. =P
Leanne Chesser
I love this post. I hate creepy crawlies but I've been in situations where warmth and touch have won out over health. As a teacher, I've been in classrooms on multiple occasions where there have been lice and bed bugs and I've spent time with people who are homeless (although anyone, anywhere can have creepy crawlies). Even though I end up doing the squirmy dance and freaking out over the possibility of having the little critters (never have), I'll choose the hug over no hug. Ultimately, the expression of care is more important. I'm careful at the same time though – – I'm not going to get all smushy head to head or anything :).
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Samantha Bangayan
Being a teacher is such a great example, Leanne! So many contagions can be passed around in a classroom. Thankfully, I've never done the squirmy dance before because I don't even consider the infection when I hug. Scabies usually shows up days later, so I never know where I got it from.
Interesting strategy! No "smushy head-to-head." Great advice, Leanne! =) Thanks so much for sharing your input! =)
Jayne Kopp
Hi Samatha… ewww… I caught scabies years ago. We had a rental home that had become very run down… and when our tenants moved, we had to go in an literally tear the place apart to get it back in shape. The worst of it all though was that I caught scabies. I had one bump on my belly (It was summer) and I guess my shirt lifted when I brushed against something (I'm guessing)… the next morning I was covered in histamines from neck to foot. tiny little incredibly burning/itching bumps. I had to slather myself in that same cream… I guess scabies don't go for the head though! Did you know that? My Dr. told me.
I still will hug… so far so good. LOL…
wonderfully creepy post…..
Jayne
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Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh! That's exactly what happened to me, Jayne! I saw a little bump on my belly and then the next day, it was all over! =P I actually didn't learn that mites don't infest the head area until I made the mistake of putting permethrin lotion on my body. Good to hear that you learned this fact before you applied the lotion.
Let's just say, permethrin on the face makes you feel like plasticine for a week! =P I hope there wasn't any lasting damage from that mistake.
Haha! =) Thanks for appreciating this post, Jayne. I continue to hug too! =) Bug-free for now! =)
Martha Giffen
I'm a hugger and I never really think about "catching" any kind of bugs or things when I reach out to people. This post sorta gave me the creeps and itches just reading it! Yuck! You know, if we could "see" on the inside of some people that look "clean" on the outside, we probably wouldn't touch them either! Just sayin'!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Sorry about passing on the itchiness through my post, Martha. =) It's so true that we would probably turned off from hugging if we saw each others' insides, but we'd probably be turned off from a lot of other things as well. =P
Bug-free hugs from Peru to you, hugger! =)
Vinny T.
Really fascinating. I've spent years traveling in Peru, and fortunately never caught the scabies, Never even heard of them until now. Like you, I enjoy the special warmth associated with the "touchy feely" culture in Peru.I've never discriminated as far as hugging is concerned. Greet me with open arms, and my embrace is ready for you.
Oliver Tausend
Hi Samantha,
that's an interesting question I have never asked myself so far because I usually don't worry about getting infected by someone. So I never got sick after I hugged someone who had the flu, for example. But it's certainly different in Peru than in Germany.
Take care
Oliver
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Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Oliver! I hadn't even considered the consequences until I got infected the first time in 2008! =P Even so, I think that I still don't let it enter my mind. Whether or not I'm in a developed or developing country, a hug is a hug and hugs are important to me. =)
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Oliver! =)
Janet Callaway
Samantha, aloha. Didn't even have to think about that one. Definitely, I am a hugger–probably even hugging some who don't want to be hugged. Yes, I have hugged people who others might not hug.
Even though some people have been less than pristine, I must admit I have never thought about catching anything nor have I. That being said, even if that were a concern most likely I would still hug because that is part of who I am and what I do.
Very interesting question, Sam. Look forward to following this thread. Take good care, my friend. Aloha. Janet
P.S. If Raid or the like is not available in Peru, what do people do/use to fumigate their homes?
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I'm imagining you hugging someone that doesn't want to be hugged, Janet! =) Now that I think about, this has definitely happened to me before. The person stood stiff during the hug. =P
I love how you say that you would still hug "because it's a part of who you are and what you do." I completely identify with that and feel exactly the same way. =)
P.S. When we didn't have the Raid cans in 2008, we had to clean out the whole apartment by hand and take all the clothes/sheets to the laundromat! =P It's also possible to hire fumigators who come with their Ghostbuster-like machines. Good question, Janet! =)
Melissa A.
Um, ew! lol. I am all sorts of itchy now. It isn't something I really thought about getting from someone and I am one who gives hugs freely.
Well, maybe not anymore lol
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Sorry to make you so itchy from my post, Mel! =) I also give hugs freely and continue to do so! =) You can ignore the post and continue hugging now, hehe! =)
RobertaBudvietas
One thing that is sad..travel means different bugs but staying home does not mean bug free. We need to balance hygiene and lets not stop hugging because of what we might catch. Everything is treatable – well almost. Some things are terrible – Necrotizing fasciitis comes to mine
Samantha Bangayan
So true, Roberta! It's hard to avoid bugs in certain countries. Whenever I go to the Philippines, mosquitos love me. Here in Peru too, I seem to have an allergic reaction to mites, whereas my partner and his family don't show any bumps at all! =P
I had to look up necrotizing fasciitis and it makes me think of mites gone wild! EEK! =P Now that's something to fear. =P
Dr. Bob Clarke
Oh Samantha… your post is the last one I'm reading before I go to bed, and now I feel itchy all over! LOL!!
That is quite a system you have in place for dealing with the scabies issue. Sounds like you've got contingency plans in place. Nice job!
As for your question, it's a tough one. As much as I love to give hugs, I think I might hesitate a little in this instance. Perhaps a shower immediately following hugs would be in order? {I'm only half kidding! 🙂
Thanks for the story. Life in Peru is always a little closer to me after I read your beautiful blog posts!
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Sorry about making you feel all itchy just before heading to bed, Bob! =P
Interesting idea about taking a shower afterwards, although I don't think it would help since the mites burrow immediately — or say they say. =P I'm imagining it now — I would be taking showers 5 times a day because I touch someone every time I do the traditional Peruvian greeting on the cheek! =)
Thanks so much for appreciating this post, Bob! =) I love how I'm able to bring a little bit of Peru to people's homes in different continents. =)
Heather C Stephens
Hi Samantha,
I SO have the creepy crawlies after reading this post. The closest I've gotten to an infestation is when the fruit flies came after we moved into our house (solved by glasses of apple cider vinegar covered by saran wrap with holes in it scattered around the house) and moths in the pantry, which was solved by a good cleaning and decluttering. I have never had to deal with fleas as many of my friends with pets have (knock on wood–no I'm not superstitious, but I'm feeling like I should be right now! LOL) and aside from the mosquito attacks in the summer time at the lake, we're fairly bug-free.
I think if there were as many outbreaks as you've experienced I'd be keeping my distance and choosing health over warmth.
Stay well and good luck. Hope you're itchy skin heals quickly!
Sending safe, bug free internet hugs to you!
Heather
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Samantha Bangayan
Sounds like you've had your fair share of house bugs too, Heather! =) You had some equally excellent strategies to manage them! We had fruit flies take over when we moved into this apartment too, but after the first mite fumigation, it stayed pretty clean from there!
Thankfully, I haven't had scabies for a couple months now (also knocking on wood! =P) and am riding the healthy waves, not being too careful. Once I've used up the last Raid can, I'll start to worry. =P
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and sending bug-free hugs to you too, Heather! =)
Leslie Miller
Warmth wins every time! If I thought about what I might catch I would probably never touch another person (or door handle, or thing for that matter) again.
Interesting article.
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Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for identifying with me, Leslie! =) I really appreciate you sharing your input. It's so true that we shouldn't over-think the situation; otherwise, we would all be hypochondriacs! =P
Jen Puckett
Wow girl! That's some tough stuff here! I am not sure what I would do! I am a hugger, but mostly to friends and family. I don't normally hug strangers, not that I wouldn't given the right circumstance or situation. Yet, I usually am not faced with a situation in which a stranger needs a hug. I think you are in a unique situation! They most be very touchy there?
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Samantha Bangayan
Tough indeed, eh! Even if I weren't much of a stranger-hugger, it's impossible not to be in physical contact with others here, especially with the classic cheek-to-cheek Peruvian greeting and the large, crowded fiestas! I guess you *would* say that the culture is touchy! =)
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Jen! Had you thinking eh? =)
Deeone
Samantha, very interesting post, thanks for sharing. I've heard of these particular creepy crawlies, but thankfully have never come into contact with any. Being honest, I don't think I would handle it as calmly as you have. I would totally freak out.
Don't get me wrong, I don't avoid human contact altogether, I simply try and use a little of my own discretion when making contact with humans. I know that you really can't tell if someone is carrying a contagious disease or not, but protecting oneself from situations like the one you have posted about is of the utmost importance, in similar ways that you have listed above. If I were in Peru and this problem presented itself to me, I think I would have been out of Raid, in the first couple of weeks, if not days. I could see myself spraying the whole can from being so grossed out.
So, I guess I would have to say that I value health a little more. I can acquire warmth from those I know and are comfortable with. Because you really just never know, whose carrying what.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I'm trying to remember if I freaked out the first time it happened to me. I just remember it feeling like an anomaly because I felt like I had mosquito bites all over my body, but mosquitos don't survive this high up in the mountains! =P
It's so true that we need to protect ourselves as well, at least when we're aware and situations can be prevented! Thanks so much for sharing your input, Deeone. =) It's so interesting what's come out of this conversation! =)
Deeone
You know, I have to correct something. I do remember a case of bed bugs; I think that's the same. I went to an Aunt's house for an overnight visit once, and my back was totally ate up. It happened when I was like 9 or 10, so it totally escaped my memory. LOL Ooops. 😀
You're a very lucky lady, Samantha. NO MOSQUITOS! I would love that! Being here in Georgia, they march in groves with what appears to be little white boots. And somehow with my body chemistry, once I get bitten I swell up like a huge spider of some sort bit me. Not fun at all! I wish I had those mountains to keep them away. :))
Samantha Bangayan
Yikes! I can't imagine bed bug bites over your entire back! Now, *that's* freaky! =P
Omigoodness, you don't know how much I hate mosquitos, Deeone! They *love* me in the rainforest and in the Philippines. I don't think I'd like living in Georgia. =P
Deeone
Luckily, I haven't had to go through the disgusting experience but that one time. I'm very thankful for it too.
I really dislike bugs of any kind, Samantha! Ants are my absolute worse enemy ever! Mosquitoes swell me up like I have just been stung by a bee! As I'm writing this I think that's the most beneficial of all reasons that I am extremely happy about this move. I wish it was out of the state of Georgia; I assure you would not like it! I have been living here for almost 5 years and I wish I never step foot in this place; it's an entirely different mindset here then from whence I'm used too.
Samantha Bangayan
You should come and live in Peru with your partner when your blogging business takes off! =)
Deeone
That would be Awesome! I better start working on him now then. Hehe! 😀
Maureen Hunter
Wow! I have treated scabies for patients in hospital though I have never had them myself although once I thought I did. In those days you had to cover yourself in cream for 6 hrs. My husband and I looked grand (not)! I admire you Samantha for valuing a human hug and connection over a little beastie. I dont know that I could be so gracious.
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow, Maureen! How uncomfortable it would be to be creamed up for six hours! =P You have me wondering whether I would act any differently if I treated patients and saw similar scenarios on a day-to-day basis. As of now, I try to ignore the image of beasties when I give hugs! =)
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, Maureen! =)
@marcus_baker
Hi Samantha,
I was a school teacher and worked in some of the poorest areas in a few countries around the world. Obviously scabies and a hist of other nasty little afflictions were rife in these communities. I always did what I could to look after my own health but these were also children, many of whom were starved for love and attention and if any asked me for hug I didn't think twice.
Besides the disease threat I also had to contend with the danger of showing physical affection to children as a male teacher but I still never withheld love when it was clear that it was needed. I don't understand how anybody can.
~Marcus
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Samantha Bangayan
As a world traveller, I knew you'd have experience on the matter, Marcus! =) You're the first person to have really caught on to what I was trying to express when I interacted with the mothers and children in the rural farming areas. Sometimes, a hug would make all the difference and it was why I could ignore the image of creepy crawlies!
Interesting interplay of gender as well. I didn't realize that you'd have to deal with that "danger." What's most important is your intention and I'm sure your warmth always revealed itself. =)
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences, Marcus! =)
Yvonne A Jones
Samantha, I knew you were a hugger! I could tell from your warm smile, writings and comments, and it would be hard for you to crush your normal inclinations despite the fact that you probably open yourself to attracting these little mites.
It makes me think of a couple of years ago when there was the H1N1 scare in the US, some people refused to shake hands and avoided exchanging hugs as much as possible. Many huggers never got the disease, while many who were victims had no idea how they came in contact with the disease.
We just live in an imperfect world and we can't isolate ourselves. We just have to do the best we can to practice good hygiene, etc as you do. Your final sentence says it all: "I believe that the world lacks the warmth of touch between people and one of the reasons I love the lifestyle here in Peru is because people are less afraid to show affection through touch."
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Samantha Bangayan
How interesting that my hugging tendencies show through my writing! =) It's true that I'm naturally inclined to hug!
Hey, that's a really good comparison, Yvonne! The H1N1 scare really had us separated from each other, but maybe without reason. I had an aunt in the Philippines who quarantined me once because I had a cold. It was such a weird feeling to feel that apart from everyone.
I love how you say that in the end, "we can't isolate ourselves." Thanks for connecting with me, Yvonne! =) Bug-free hugs!
Kelly
I haven't got scabies from another person, but I did get it from my rabbit – and the itching was miserable. Are you sure that the scabies you're getting is human? The scabies mite (also called mange mite) is species specific, so you could actually be getting them from nearby dogs or cats. In our case, the rabbits caught mange – and the mites lived in them. But the mites traveled to the dogs – who in turn carried it to me and my husband. They were especially bad on my stomach and upper thighs – caused by my little dog sitting on my lap while I worked at the computer! Once we treated the rabbits to kill the mites, the rest of us healed up without treatment.
We also have a recurring bedbug problem that always seems to start in our empty guest room – I believe an upstairs neighbor has an untreated problem, and they move through the walls. About every 6 months, I have to spray everything down with "anti acaro" spray. The itching is very similar to the scabies itching.
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Samantha Bangayan
That's so interesting! It's totally possible! It's always so hard to tell where I get them from because no one else around me gets them! =P When I started getting bumps, I'd always get them on my feet first! =P
Yikes! Bed bugs too? That happened to me when I first arrived in Peru — the other Canadian intern and I were sharing a musty, old apartment.
Thanks so much for relating to my post, Kelly! Glad I'm not the only one going through this! =P
@LearnIt2EarnIt
YIKES the picture alone gives me the creeps! So sorry to hear Samantha you caught the scabie mites. But you sure do sound like you know exactly what to do. I am a hugger and our whole family is too. I'm not sure I would change — even if I caught mites! … because it feels so good to get a hug from family and friends.
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I tried to choose an attractive picture, but I guess mites can look creepy no matter how colorful they show up in a microscopic photo. =P
I totally agree, Lynn! Hugs express so much warmth and I definitely haven't stopped hugging because of these incidents! Thanks for relating to me! =)
Samantha Bangayan
You *so* know what I mean then, Janette! Before I brought Raid cans from Canada, my partner and I had to clean out the entire apartment!
I completely agree about prioritizing "the expression of care," as you put it! I hardly even think about the risk (unless I have scabies at the time =P).
I hope you don't feel itchy anymore and I apologize for initiating that through my post, Janette! =P
Abe Palmer
You must have known I have been scratching alot lately!!!! I'm a hugger, firm hand shake and pat on the back kind of guy. Working with the public has it's draw backs but the reward at the end of the day is so worth it. I have never thought of the affect of close contact with others would cause. If I did I would be better off doing something that doesn't involve working with the public.
Samantha Bangayan
Abe, I *so* know what you mean! I've been known to hug many of my customers at Safeway too! =)
Glad to hear that you're also a hugger! No wonder you'd blend in so well here in the Andes. =)
Samantha Bangayan
That's so interesting, Lou! =) I guess not all of us are huggers. Do you mean that hugs are "shallow social actions" for everyone?
So glad we're connected through the CM group, Lou! Looking forward to reading more of your tale! =)
Diana Simon
Hi Samantha,
Gosh what an ordeal! You definitely are patient 🙂 I don't think I could stand itchness. It would drive me crazy. I can imagine you being a hugging person and I will admit that while I do like hugging people, it also depends on who they are. Some people just don't like to be hugged and so I don't out of respect to them.
Last month my niece wasn't well but I hugged her because I just couldn't resist. The questions for warmth or health for me depends on the person 🙂
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I'm not always patient, but I think I've learned to be if I want to be thorough and not have a repeat case of scabies! =P In the beginning, I tried to wait it out, thinking that the bites would go away. It's so hard not to scratch yourself! =P
That's so true, Diana! Some people just don't like to be hugged. I've had my fair share of awkward hugs. =P I should be more conscious of this. =P
But in the end, I'm glad to hear that warmth wins out for you, especially with the right people. =)
neanster77
This reminds me of the time myself and my friend caught bed bugs whilst backpacking. It took us months – after we had returned home – to recover! Itchy, scary looking, and scarred. A Doctor in Rome told us that women from Canada and Australia were more prone to all kinds of bug/skin diseases. We are more sensitive – apparently?! Who knows.
As to the hugging…I love that you are a hugger. I have always loved hugs, and just don't get enough these days! I do admit though I cannot get used to cheek kissing – My partners soccer buddies love this (I think its a cultural thing) but still struggle with the whole kissing thing!
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Samantha Bangayan
Yikes! I'm imagining those bed bugs following you all over the place! =P Wow! I really believe that it could be true that Canadians and Australians are more susceptible. I couldn't figure out what it was that was happening to me because it wasn't happening to anyone else around me! =P
Haha! I think I'm only used to cheek-kissing because we have to do it out of respect in the Philippines. I'll know to not cheek-kiss you when we meet one day! =)
Samantha Bangayan
Yay! I was so excited to see you here, Carrie! Thanks so much for stopping by! =)
Haha! "Ukus" sure does sound like a creepy crawly. The Spanish word for mites has the same feel: "ácaros." =)
That would be ideal, if I could find a simple cure. If not, at least a simple way to avoid them. =)
Writing 4 Effect
When my daughters were young, a friend of mine babysat them sometimes. She had a friend who came over to visit with her five kids and they all played together. My daughter began complaining of itching and we noticed a red rash spreading over her body. The rest of us quickly got the same thing, but had no clue what it was. We asked our babysitter if she knew of what it could be. She told us that her friend and her kids had the same thing and that it came from the gnats that flew in huge groups around her home (WHAT?!). She also told me that her friend said it went away on its own. After two weeks of many sleepless nights, we finally went to the doctor who told us it was scabies — EEK! Needless to say, we attacked the situation and rid ourselves of the insidious little monsters right away. As far as physical touch — guilty! I've read studies about the power of physical touch and enjoy showing affection to others — whether through words or physical touch. Sometimes a word can effect someone as deeply as physical contact. Yep, I'm a hugger at heart and, from one hugger to another, here's a big one for you ~HUG~
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Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh, "WHAT?!" is exactly what I thought before I even read it. Haha! I was imagining all the other possible insects that could bring about random rashes. =P It makes me think of all the other insects people put the blame on when bites first started appearing on my body — daddy longlegs, ants, fleas, bedbugs… you name it! Basically, any bug that still exists in the Andes. =P
In any case, I can't believe you've experienced this too! I *so* forgot to mention sleepless nights. I used to wake up randomly and scratch this or that bite.
Hey, thanks for bringing up that point about the power of words too, Sherry. How could I forget that as a so-called writer. =) Glad to hear that you're a hugger too! Bug-free hugs from the Andes back at you!! =)
@xdwebsolutions
Wow, very interesting and informative post! I'm a hugger and touchy feely person myself so I would venture to say I'd choose warmth. I never have thought about the ramifications, if any, of such things. I guess it depends on the environment as well.
You ask a really great question in this post and I appreciate your sharing with us your experience with mites!
Haven't had them but I know what to do now if I ever came across them! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! So glad to know that you're a hugger too, Kesha! =) You sure look like a warm hugger! =)
Haha! Thanks so much for appreciating this post, Kesha. It was something I never had to think about either until I got here! =P
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