Recently, I’ve noticed more and more homeless people around Leiden Centraal, but yesterday I saw someone whose situation seemed particularly serious.
I first saw him inside Jumbo. He was barefoot and shirtless, wearing only rain trousers. He had many visible wounds or sores on his body, was constantly scratching himself, and there was a very strong smell around him.
After leaving Jumbo, he was running around looking for cans and asking people for money. He seemed extremely uncomfortable and clearly in very poor physical condition.
Has anyone else seen him around Leiden Centraal?
I’m not trying to diagnose him, but because of the constant severe itching and the condition of his skin, I also wondered whether he could have some kind of skin disease or infection that may require medical attention. If it is something contagious, such as scabies, it could potentially also be a public-health concern.
What can actually be done in a situation like this? To me, this seemed beyond someone simply being homeless and asking for money, he looked like someone who urgently needs professional medical and social support.