News
Oct 25, 2024
British Association of Dermatologists urging people to seek help for suspicious rashes
This year there has been an unusually high rate of scabies cases in England according to data published by the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Research and Surveillance Centre (see page 15 here for data). Weekly incidence rates (per 100,000) for 2024 are well above the 5-year average, with rates particularly high in the north of England.
With winter approaching, which is typically when scabies cases reach their peak, the British Association of Dermatologists is warning the public, particularly those in group living facilities, to be on alert for signs of these pests.
Scabies is a mite infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It can affect people of all ages and is easily spread by skin-to-skin contact. Treatment of all household members should be started immediately once a diagnosis is confirmed.
Dr Tess McPherson, British Association of Dermatologists 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.
“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.
“Scabies commonly affects people living in group living facilities such as university halls and care homes. 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.”
“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.”
Here are some important things you should know about scabies:
- The mites cannot be seen with the naked eye, which means that you need to be aware of the signs they leave
- The most common symptoms are widespread itch and a spotty rash. This can be all over the skin, but especially between your fingers and around skin creases (elbows, knees) and genital areas.
- The scabies mites burrow into the skin in these areas to lay their eggs, leaving tiny spots and silver-coloured lines, called burrows, on the skin
- From the time of infection until developing the symptoms, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks after contact with someone with scabies.
- The best way to treat scabies and avoid recurrence is to ensure that all family members, friends, and other close contacts are treated correctly at the same time, even if symptoms are not present.
More information about scabies, symptoms, treatment, and awareness can be found on the British Association of Dermatologists’ Patient Information Leaflet on Scabies.
You can find out more about the scabies medicine shortages from 2023 here.