Scabies

Scabies is caused by small mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that penetrate into the skin. These mites are too small to see, but cause the skin to become very itchy and irritated.  Symptoms usually start to occur 2-6 weeks after infection. You can spread scabies before you even know you have it.

Contracting and spreading scabies

From humans

Scabies is highly contagious and can be caught from direct, extended contact with an infected person. Scabies mites can also survive away from the human body for 24-36 hours, so it is possible to catch scabies from sharing infected linen, towels, and clothing. The mites burrow in to the skin to lay eggs, the eggs hatch, crawl out onto the skin and make new burrows. Scratching the infected area promotes spreading of eggs and newly-hatched insects to other parts of your body.

From animals

The mites that cause scabies in animals like horses and dogs are different to those that cause scabies in humans, but humans can still catch these scabies (also known as mange). These mites do not jump from animal to animal or human, but close contact with infected animals allows the mites to penetrate the skin. Unlike human scabies, the mites do not burrow into the skin, but sit on the skin, dissolving skin with saliva. This causes a rash that arises from an allergic reaction to the mite’s faeces. While mange can live in domestic and farm animals for over a month, they only survive a few days in a human. Importantly, the mite is unable to reproduce on the human body.

Symptoms

• Rash:
  • In terms of human-to-human scabies, there might not be much of a rash, as the mites are underneath the skin.
  • An allergic reaction from animal-to-human scabies will produce a rash. It looks like tiny red lumps and threadlike tracks on the skin.
• Itchiness is part of the body’s immune system response to the infection – you may get very itchy a day or two after you get infected, which can last beyond treatment, for up to three weeks.
• Lesions and spots on the skin filled with fluid
• Small visible ‘burrows’ in the skin particularly between the fingers (human scabies virus).

 Treatment

• Calamine lotion can be applied to the irritated area to manage the itching.
• A lotion or cream can be purchased from the chemist to treat scabies (Permethrin). Instructions should be followed carefully. Your partner and family members should also be treated at the same time.
• Wash clothes, bedding and towels in hot water. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in bags for 72 hours.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should see a doctor before using any over the counter medications.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to maintain good personal hygiene, like regular hand washing and not sharing clothes or bedding with infected people. If you develop scabies, your sexual partners and all members of your household should also be treated with a scabies cream or lotion. If you have contracted scabies from an infected animal, it is important to treat the animal and clean items they have had contact with, including; beds, rugs, and saddles.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Scabies is caused by tiny mites that penetrate into the skin.
• Infected skin becomes very itchy and scratching spreads the eggs to other parts of your body.
• Infected farm animals can pass on scabies (or mange) mites to people. These mites are specific to the animal they come from and will not breed on human skin, but they will make your skin itchy and irritated for a few days.
• Scabies can be treated with lotions or creams from a chemist.

Dermatitis (eczema)

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic health problem that affects people of all ages. It is a non-contagious, inherited skin condition causing patches of skin to become red, dry and itchy. Eczema becomes particularly uncomfortable if the skin flares up, worsens and becomes infected. Individuals who suffer eczema have skin that doesn’t retain moisture well, causing their skin to dry out easily and become open to allergens and irritants. Allergens and irritants trigger the skin to release chemicals, creating an itch that can be mild to severe. Scratching causes more chemicals to be released, making the skin feel itchier. This scratch and itch cycle creates persistent discomfort, disrupted sleep and will affect an individual’s quality of life.

It is not well understood why some people develop eczema and others don’t, however, it is common for people with eczema to experience other allergies. This suggests that inherited (genetic) factors increase the tendency to develop more than one type of eczema.

There are several different types of eczema – atopic dermatitis and occupational contact dermatitis. The most common type seen in farmers and ag workers is occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).

Occupational Contact Dermatitis

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a skin condition caused by work-related exposures. Occupational contact dermatitis is a rash which develops as a result of exposure to specific physical exposures and irritating or allergic substances – referred to triggering agents. Constant exposure to triggering agents will damage the natural barrier function of the skin. When the protective barrier of the skin is lost, eczema will develop and cause either contact irritant or allergic dermatitis. In either instance, a rash will develop (most commonly on the hands, arms and face) and skin will become red inflamed and itchy. In determining the diagnosis between the two types of dermatitis the difference, presentation and history of the rash is considered.

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) – tends to present a rash that is confined to the area where the trigger touches the skin and develops immediately, whereas
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), the rash is more likely to be widespread on the skin and take a day or so to develop.

Triggering agents for occupational contact dermatitis in farmers and ag workers include:

• Solvents and cleaners
• Disinfectants
• Pesticides & fertilisers
• Foods
• Plants
• Dust

Farmers and ag workers can prevent occupational contact dermatitis using the following control measures:

• Eliminate or prevent exposure to triggering agents where possible.
• Be compliant and wear appropriate personal protective equipment to protect the skin from triggering agents.
• Ensure you choose a suitable glove for the best hand protection.
• Avoid soap and bubbly products which damage and dry out the skin.
• Use water-based moisturizers after washing hands and oil-based moisturizers for extremely dry skin.
• Cover cracks and open sores with an appropriated dressing.

To find out more information about eczema visit Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Occupational contact dermatitis is an uncomfortable itchy skin condition, common among farmers.
• Avoiding known triggering agents and irritants is the most effective way to prevent eczema.
• Wearing gloves and protecting skin when handling chemicals, cleaners and fertilisers will help prevent eczema.
• Treat eczema flare ups immediately.
• Manage the itch and prevent infection.

Relationships and communication

Relationships grow on communication. Like everything else on the farm, they suffer when neglected.
Farms usually combine work and home in one location, this can make for very close relationships. It can also mean there is little escape from each other when times get tough and conflict occurs. It’s important to separate farming business communications from family communications.
All relationships require effort, whether it’s personal relationships with family members or relationships with other farm workers. It’s important to talk about issues as they arise. Some conflict is normal, but don’t let things build up until someone explodes.

Relationships and communication

Communication is important in relationships with partners, children, other family members, work colleagues and friends. It allows us to share interests, aspirations and concerns, to support each other, to organise our lives and make decisions, and to work together in caring for children. Most of us can learn how to communicate more effectively. A relationship counsellor can help if communication is difficult or breaks down.

Communication needs to be prioritised. When day-to-day communication is being neglected due to the busyness of life, setting time aside for a family or farm business meeting can be important. Make these meetings a regular occurrence so concerns are dealt with promptly. Schedule them in advance to avoid clashing with busy times in the farming calendar. Keep meetings structured with an agenda and notes taken, so that everybody is informed, on the same page and clear about meeting outcomes. Make these meetings an opportunity to celebrate your successes as well as your challenges. Give everyone a chance to be heard.

Never underestimate the value of having a conversation. However, communication is not always only about talking—listening is just as important. Taking some time out of our busy day to listen—uninterrupted—to someone who might be doing it tough can have enormous benefit. Be patient, avoid judgement and recognise that everyone experiences stressful situations differently.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• The nature of farm life, combining home and work in one location can at times put a strain on relationships.
• All relationships can become strained and tense at times and some conflict is normal.
• Talk about your feelings and listen to the other person’s point of view.
• Find a middle ground on issues that are causing friction.
• Ensure farming business communication is clear—scheduling regular meetings and keeping written records.
• Learn to build healthy and happy relationships to prepare for the hard times.

Farm succession planning

It’s important to have a well thought out and detailed succession plan in place to help prepare your farming business for future needs. 

Start planning early so that your family knows what to expect when you retire, if you need to scale down your involvement or are forced off the farm due to injury, illness or other circumstances.

If you are thinking of passing the farm down to family members, it is important to involve the whole family in the process to prevent problems emerging later and to ensure a smooth transition.  Develop a clear understanding of the expectations and goals of everyone involved.  Which family members want to take on the farming business? What are their goals and ambitions?

Seek professional advice.  A child who inherits the family farm may be the only one who has any economic advantage from the family inheritance, but they may also inherit economic disadvantage should the business be in debt or if they are obligated to borrow money to compensate other siblings.

Look for creative ways to share the farm among your children to meet the varying needs of all involved.

A range of trained professionals, such as your accountant, solicitor, agricultural consultant and financial advisors and  planners, are available to help you through the complex and often emotionally challenging and difficult process of creating a succession plan.   

Why not start your planning this weekend?

A good succession plan will help you transition out of your farm family business and minimise stress when the time comes.

Fast facts:

• Have a clear understanding of your family’s goals, expectations and needs.
• Start planning early and long before you reach retirement age.
• Seek professional advice.
• Review your succession plan regularly.

Farm business planning

Farm business planning is not just for when the chips are down. It can also be a great tool to set out your vision for your farm, how you plan to reach your goals and drive farm profitability and sustainability.

Farmers face a number of challenges such as seasonal conditions and market volatility and it’s important that a farm business plan supports you to make decisions through these challenging times. A business plan should include worst case scenarios with the hope that they never happen.

Your business plan should also include a timeline for your retirement, family succession or eventual sale of the farm. For long-term planning to result in successful and achievable outcomes, discussions should involve all members of the family who are part of the farm business. There is no point planning for a member of the next generation to take over the farming business if they are not interested in doing so.

Making a farm business plan can be complex and daunting, but there are many highly trained professionals, such as your accountant, solicitor, agricultural consultants, financial advisors, planners to help guide your decisions. It may also be worth talking to trusted friends or neighbours about your plans and see whether they can recommend someone in particular.

A business plan should help minimise stress, however, if you find yourself in a crisis situation don’t avoid making decisions. Reach out for help with personal problems and for business advice and available support services.

Fast facts:

• Many farms are a business, and every business needs a plan to set goals and help guide it through good and challenging times.
• Seek professional help to develop a sustainable plan for your farm. You may be eligible for assistance from a free financial counsellor.
• Don’t despair if you are in a crisis, contact support services for help and advice.

Parsnip rash

Parsnip rash – also called phytophotodermatitis (PPD) – is a skin condition caused by contact with juice or sap from a causative plant (such as parsnip, celery, lime juice), from which the condition gets its common name.

The combination of plant chemicals and ultraviolet (UV) light leads to a skin reaction, which can range from mild redness and irritation to severe blistering and peeling. Vegetable pickers, gardeners and even bartenders (as lime juice can also cause PPD) are at risk.  

Causative plants contain compounds (furanocoumarins) which may cause skin irritation in some people and make the skin very sensitive to sunlight (UVA). This can lead to severe burning. Parsnip rash can also occur after eating large amounts of furocoumarin-containing foods. 

Symptoms

• Rash.
• Skin blistering.
• Skin discolouring (dark red, purple or brown) which may last for several years.

Treatment

The rash will usually clear up without treatment if you avoid contact with the plant that caused it. Treatment options include:

• Wash the affected area and cover the rash with a cool, wet cloth or bandage to reduce swelling.
• Steroid creams can be used sparingly (see your doctor or pharmacist) if the rash is severe.
• Protect the affected area from sunlight with clothing, gloves and footwear.
• Topical antiseptics can be used to help prevent infection.

Prevention

• Avoid skin contact and ingestion of large amounts of plants likely to cause parsnip rash (phytophotodermatitis). 
• If you come into contact with plants likely to cause parsnip rash, wash the area and cover the skin immediately to prevent contact with sunlight.
• If you need to pull up parsnip, or other plants that may cause problems, wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt.

Fast facts:

• Parsnip rash – also called phytophotodermatitis (PPD) – is a skin condition caused by contact or ingestion with certain plants.
• Parsnip rash can cause painful blistering and long-lasting skin discolouration.
• If you come into contact with plants likely to cause parsnip rash, wash the area and cover the skin immediately.

2017-03-15: Miranda: Find out what farm women really want – The Weekly Times

by GENEVIEVE BARLOW

I HAVE always been a supporter of the Victorian Women on Farms Gathering.

This event, held every two years, traditionally closes with the organising baton passing to the next town or community to host it.

It’s always been a gentle affair and perhaps weighs heavily towards self-care for women, not so much on farm or business skills.

But honestly if you’re going to spend one day, let alone the full three, at a gathering you want to know there’s something in it for you, right?

So what do farm women want?

According to this year’s program to be held at Harrow in southwest Victoria on March 24-26, they want glamping (Luxe and Wanderlust glamping or vintage caravans available), fitness, free health checks from the National Centre for Farmer Health, and drinks and dinner on the banks of the Glenelg River.

They also want tips on how to reverse a trailer or fix a broken down car, and about social media, climate forecasting, sheep classing, ram buying, sheep genetics and the carbon footprint of grain marketing.

Read more: 2017-03-15: Miranda: Find out what farm women really want – The Weekly Times

2017-01-30: ABC Mental Health interview with Tom Dawkins

Discussing rural mental health initiatives ‘Look Over The Farm Gate’ and ‘The Ripple Effect’ on ABC South East SA radio.

Listen here: 2017-01-30: ABC Mental Health interview with Tom Dawkins

2017-03-11: NCFH inspires interest from Indonesia – The Hamilton Spectator

2017-03-10: Farmers welcome health program – The Border Watch

2017-02-28: Beyond Silence – The Hamilton Spectator

Farmer Health eNews March 2017

Find out all the latest from the National Centre for Farmer Health

• Looking forward to seeing you back at Wimmera Machinery Field Days 7-9th March 2017 Site D27-28
• Don’t dawdle…have your say about rural suicide!
• Nuffield Scholar visits NCFH
• Wellness Wednesday Topics

View the March 2017 e-News

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