What we know about scabies outbreak as cases surge in England
Cases of scabies are growing throughout the UK, particularly in the north of England, doctors have warned.
Mites are responsible for causing the condition, which manifests as an intensely itchy rash that spreads easily through close skin contact.
The prevalence of scabies has been increasing across the country for some time, with doctors reporting a "nightmare" surge of the condition in January, which they warned posed a major health threat.
Here’s everything we know about the latest warning:
What have doctors said about the rise in scabies cases?
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) responded to the regional spikes in scabies cases and warned patients not to ignore a rash if they are experiencing one.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "The rate of scabies presentations in general practice is above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in scabies cases, but incidences are still infrequent."
She added that patients may be reluctant to seek treatment for scabies due to the "social stigma that surrounds" it, but urged patients to see their doctor.
"It is important that they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people – particularly if they are living in close proximity to others such as on a university campus," Prof Hawthorne said.
In January, doctors warned that a shortage in treatment options - caused by supply chain issues because of the war in Ukraine and a rise in the cost of raw materials - was making it difficult to treat scabies quickly.
According to the Guardian, the condition was spreading most rapidly in the north of England, where cases were double the usual number in November. The latest data published by the RCGP and Surveillance Centre showed that weekly incidence rates (per 100,000 people) for 2024 are well above the five-year average.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is also urging the public, especially those in group living facilities, to be on alert for signs of scabies.
Dr Tess McPherson, of the BAD, said: "We would urge people who suspect they may have scabies, or who still have scabies, to seek medical treatment for this incredibly contagious skin condition at the earliest opportunity."
What is causing the rise in scabies?
The increase in cases of scabies has been linked to a shortage of treatments, but doctors are uncertain about what else could be causing the condition to spread.
Dr McPherson said: "While we don’t know for certain what is driving the number of cases up, this has been something we have been seeing for the last few years. Factors in the ongoing infestations seem to be delays in diagnosis, delays in beginning treatment, and not using treatments to full effect, which can lead to reinfection."
She warned that people in group living facilities such as university halls and care homes were particularly vulnerable to scabies. "The surge in cases that we saw in September may in part be explained by students returning to university, with cases spreading through halls of residence.
"If even one person in a group doesn’t treat, then reinfection can easily occur, and scabies can continue to spread. Treatments are available for scabies both over the counter and through GP, but they need to be used as instructed to ensure they work."
How are scabies treated?
It is important to get scabies treated quickly. Prof Hawthorne explained: "While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating, and can be easily contracted through close physical contact.
"If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications such as secondary skin infections or make existing skin conditions worse.
"The treatment for scabies is a topical cream or lotion - the most commonly used are permethrin cream and malathion lotion - that can be purchased in pharmacies, or by prescription in general practice.
"All patients with the condition should wash their bedding and clothes on a high temperature and avoid physical contact with others until they have completed the full course of treatment.
"If symptoms persist following treatment, then a patient should contact their GP. We are aware that the symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life so we will try our best to ensure an individual receives prompt and effective treatment."
Dr McPherson added: "It is important to state that you do not get scabies because you are unhygienic, and there should be no stigma associated with having scabies. As scabies spreads easily by skin-to-skin contact, you should tell people you live with if you have scabies to help stop this spreading."
Watch: Scabies: How to reduce your risk of catching the skin condition
Read more about scabies:
How to help prevent scabies as cases rise in England (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Scabies outbreak sparks doctors' warning to look for early symptoms of infectious disease (2-min read)
I lost my unborn baby after my daughter caught slapped cheek at nursery (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
