How to help prevent scabies as cases rise in England

Laura Hampson and Kate Ng
Updated ·4-min read
photo of a woman in blue underwear who scratches her breasts and suffers from allergies, itching, skin rash, dermatitis, scabies. Allergic reaction. Skin diseases. Healthcare concept
Scabies outbreaks are surging across the UK. (Getty Images)

GPs in England are reporting a surge in cases of scabies, so how can you reduce your chance of contracting the contagious condition?

Scabies is the term for an itchy rash caused by mites and spread through close skin contact, meaning anyone can get it.

The spread can be stopped if it's treated quickly, but the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is warning that "social stigma" around the condition is stopping people from coming forward for treatment.

According to NHS figures, 3,689 cases of scabies were diagnosed in hospitals in England between April 2023 to April 2024, an increase from 2,128 the previous year.

The fresh warning over scabies comes after doctors reported a shortage of treatments in January. Experts said the outbreaks have mostly occurred in care homes and university accommodations, and have called the situation an "absolute nightmare".

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of RCGP, said in her latest statement: "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.

Close up of hand with with ulcer filled with pus condition caused of scabies infection, sensitive skin itchy health problem
Scabies can become difficult to treat if it spreads over large areas of the body. (Getty Images)

"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.

"We recognise that patients may be apprehensive to seek treatment given the social stigma that surrounds the condition, but it is important that they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting it 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."

The way scabies spreads is by direct skin-to-skin contact with another person who has scabies. The NHS says some signs you may have scabies include:

  • Intense nighttime itching

  • A raised rash or spots

  • A line under the skin with a dot on the end

The rash can take up to eight weeks to appear, and is more common between your fingers, but it can spread to other parts of your body too.

The health service recommends treating scabies quickly to stop the spreading, pointing out that you can get a special cream from your pharmacist, which should get rid of the rash. But you will also need to wash all of your bedding and clothing in the house on a hot wash and in a hot dryer on the first day of treatment to prevent it spreading any further.

Watch: Scabies: How to reduce your risk of catching the skin condition

Baqir Khan, cleaning expert and owner of Proactive Cleaners, says one of the best ways to prevent scabies spreading is to keep on top of cleanliness in your home, and suggests taking the actions below.

"All bedding, including blankets, pillowcases, sheets, and skin-contact clothing, should be washed in hot water," Khan says.

"Aim for a minimum of 50C or higher for the water temperature. This temperature is the ideal heat for killing scabies mites and their eggs. Ideally, aim to wash these items at least once a week to minimise the risk of re-infestation."

Khan recommends regularly hoovering and cleaning your living spaces, and being particularly careful with upholstered furniture, carpets, and rugs, as these can be potential hotbeds for the mites.

"To stop any possible mites from spreading, either dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the vacuum canister after vacuuming," he says.

Close up photo of female hands taking out clean grey linen from the washing machine.
Placing your clothes and bedding in a hot wash is the best way to get rid of scabies. (Getty Images)

"Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after handling objects or locations that may be infected, will lower your chances of contracting scabies," Khan says.

"Regular nail trimming also lowers the chance of mites collecting under the nails, and encouraging everyone in your household to follow suit can make a significant difference."

As the main way that scabies spread is through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, Khan suggests refraining from being in close proximity with people you don’t know, or who are known to have scabies.

If you or a family member does pick up scabies, it’s best to start treatment as soon as possible.

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