GPs are seeing a huge rise in scabies cases, with certain parts of the population especially vulnerable to the itchy skin infection – here’s all the symptoms you need to know
Doctors have issued an urgent warning not to ignore scabies symptoms after a shock rise in cases.
GPs say they are seeing more people coming forward with the highly infectious parasitic infestation, which is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. People who have it experience intense itching along with a rash – and if left untreated, it can cause serious skin conditions. Experts from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) say that people who live in close contact with each other, such as in university halls of residence and care homes, are particularly vulnerable – and they fear some people may be avoiding coming forward due to the “social stigma” surrounding the infection.
Where is this outbreak happening?
A total of 3,689 scabies cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England in the year to April, NHS figures show, up from 2,128 the year before. Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the RCGP, said that while it is not yet a common infection, numbers are currently “above the five-year average and rising”.
A noticeable spike in cases been observed in the north of England. She told the BBC: “While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating. 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.”
What are the symptoms of scabies?
The symptoms of scabies are:
- intense itching, especially at night
- a raised rash or spots
According to the NHS, the spots may look red. These are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.
How do I treat scabies?
Your pharmacist can give you a cream or lotion that you apply to your whole body. You should let them if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
The treatment will need to repeated 1 week later, and it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear. It’s important that everyone in your home is treated at the same time, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. Pharmacy treatments for scabies shouldn’t be used on children under 2 years old, and they will need to see a GP. Any sexual partners you’ve had in the past 8 weeks should also be treated, according to NHS guidance.
