The United Kingdom is facing unusually large outbreaks of scabies, and doctors are encouraging individuals to get medical help if they see red spots on their skin and not to overlook the signs.
Scabies is a bothersome rash caused by tiny mites that spread through close skin contact. Quick treatment is essential to prevent it from spreading. Anyone can catch it.
Common signs include severe itching, especially at night, along with raised rashes or spots.
Typically, scabies causes a rash on the body but not on the head or neck. It often shows up between fingers, around wrists, underarms, waist, groin and bottom.
Young kids, older adults and those with weak immune systems might get scabies on their heads, necks palms and soles. For people with weakened immune systems a very contagious type called crusted scabies can lead to flaky rashes on elbows knees hands and feet.
According to NHS, over 3,600 cases of this infection have been diagnosed in hospitals across the country.
Prof Kamila Hawthorne chairwoman of RCGP mentioned that many who have symptoms don’t seek help due to “social stigma” linked with this infection. She noted that GP diagnoses are “above the five-year average” and increasing; particularly in northern England where there’s been a rise in cases.”
“While it’s not serious,” she said “scabies can be really itchy and annoying.”
“If left untreated properly it can spread more easily which raises risks for complications like secondary skin infections or worsen existing skin issues.”
One reason for this outbreak despite its social stigma is the lack of available treatments.
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