Scabies cases are on the rise across the UK, particularly in England.
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites and while it is not usually a serious condition, it is "very infectious" and easily spread, according to the NHS.
Some 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England alone, in the year to April.
This was up from 2,128 cases the previous year, according to NHS figures via the BBC.
Scabies is spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It is a condition that needs to be treated "quickly" to stop it spreading.
There is a lot of coverage in the news about scabies today. But what is it, and how can it be treated?
— NHS (@NHSuk) October 25, 2024
Find out all you need to know on the NHS website.
➡️ https://t.co/BDiBxLfQOU pic.twitter.com/ltPM2eXriY
Spike in scabies cases reported (in England)
Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, said: “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 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 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."
Scabies symptoms
The symptoms of scabies, according to the NHS, include:
- Intense itching (especially at night)
- Raised rash or spots
"It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom.
"However, older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms and soles of their feet."
People with a weakened immune system can also get a "rare and very contagious" type of scabies, called crusted scabies.
The main symptom of this is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet.
How to live longer
How does scabies spread?
Scabies can spread "easily", the NHS says.
It spreads through skin contact (including sexual contact), but you can't get scabies from pets.
"People who live or work closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes are more at risk," the health experts add.
How to treat scabies
Scabies is not usually a serious condition, according to the NHS, "but it does need to be treated".
The NHS adds: "A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It's important to read the instructions carefully."
This treatment must be repeated a week later.
"Scabies is very infectious, but it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear," the NHS continues.
"Everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms."
How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19
Anyone you've had sexual contact with in the past eight weeks will also need to be treated.
Pharmacy treatments aren't suitable for children under two, they will instead need to see a GP.
There are also a number of things you can do during treatment to stop scabies spreading:
- Wash all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day of treatment
- Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days until the mites die
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Covid XEC cases on the rise - what is known about the new variant so far
- The common disease medical experts believe will cause the next global pandemic
- What is the 'tripledemic'? All you need to know as 3 'nasty' viruses circulate UK
How long does it take to get rid of scabies
Adults and children aged 5 years or over can go back to work or school as soon as they have started treatment. It’s important to avoid close contact with other people for the first 24 hours.
Children under 5 years old can go back to nursery or pre-school 24 hours after the first treatment.
Although the treatment kills the scabies mites quickly, the itching can carry on for a few weeks.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel