The Scabies Surge: A Growing Public Health Concern
Scabies infections in the UK are surging at a ‘nightmare’ rate and pose a serious risk to public health, medical professionals have said.
The Guardian
The United Kingdom has experienced a significant surge in scabies cases, prompting widespread concern among healthcare professionals and experts. This surge has raised alarms due to a shortage of medications and the potential for medication resistance. Doctors highlight significant regional differences in scabies rates across the UK, with the north of England experiencing more pronounced instances. Hence, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for scabies, as well as preventive measures, is essential in addressing this growing public health concern.
The latest surveillance data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) shows there were three cases per 100,000 people in November, double the seasonal average.
In the week beginning November 27, 27,484 cases were recorded by 500 GP practices in England and Wales that monitor the rash.
For comparison, just 56 cases were recorded during the same week in 2021, while 94 were logged that week in 2022.
Scabies and its Symptoms
“Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei”
Professor Mabs Chowdhury, president of the British Association of Dermatologists.
The condition is characterised by intense itching and a rash. The mites burrow into the skin, lay eggs, and cause the characteristic symptoms that can spread rapidly through close physical contact.
The symptoms of scabies typically include intense itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like skin rash. The rash often appears in the folds of the skin, such as between the fingers, wrists, elbows, and buttocks. In severe cases, individuals may develop crusty sores and thick, greyish-white skin lines. If you suspect you have scabies based on these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Shortage of Medications
The primary treatment for scabies involves the use of topical medications such as “permethrin and malathion,” which effectively kill the mites. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the surge in scabies cases has been exacerbated by an acute shortage of these medications. This shortage has raised concerns among medical professionals, as the inability to treat patients poses a serious risk of the illness spreading further.
The shortage of scabies treatments is something that urgently needs more attention. The public health calculation is not particularly complex, scabies spread easily and if people aren’t treated, then it will continue to spread.
Prof Mabs Chowdhury, President of the British Association of Dermatologists
The Role of Antimicrobial Resistance
Experts also fear that the resurgence of scabies may be driven by the parasite becoming resistant to existing medications. This concern has added a layer of complexity to the current situation, as the effectiveness of traditional treatments is being called into question.
Alternative Medications
In response to the shortage of permethrin and malathion, the UKHSA has recommended ivermectin, crotamiton, or sulfur ointment as an effective alternative treatment for scabies. The medication ivermectin is available in pill form and offers a viable option for managing the condition when traditional treatments are in short supply.
Preventive Measures
To prevent the spread of scabies and protect yourself and others from infection, it is important to take the following steps:
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has scabies.
- Do not share clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has scabies.
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly.
- If you have scabies, seek medical attention and follow the prescribed treatment plan.
- Notify anyone you have had close contact with in the past 8 weeks so they can also seek treatment.
- Avoid sexual contact until you have completed the full course of treatment.
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of scabies and protect yourself and others from infection.
Conclusion
The recent surge in scabies cases in the UK demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to raise awareness. With shortages in medications and concerns about medication resistance, individuals must understand the symptoms, available alternatives, and preventive measures. By shedding light on these challenges, we can collectively work towards curbing the spread of scabies and safeguarding the public health of communities across the UK.
Reference
- Gregory, A. (2024, January 2). Doctors report ‘nightmare’ surge in scabies across UK. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/01/doctors-report-nightmare-surge-in-scabies-across-uk
- ITV News. (2024, January 3). What is scabies, and why are cases on the rise across the UK? ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/2024-01-02/what-is-scabies-and-why-are-cases-on-the-rise
- Bulbul, N. (2024, January 3). What is scabies as UK doctors report surge in condition? Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/what-scabies-skin-condition-uk-doctors-cases-surge-b1130039.html
- Kettle, E. (2024, January 2). UK Doctors warn of scabies outbreak across the nation. Oxford Mail. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/24021386.uk-doctors-warn-scabies-outbreak-across-nation/
- British Association of Dermatologists. (2023, November 16). http://www.bad.org.uk/uk-shortage-of-scabies-medications-is-a-snowballing-public-health-issue-dermatologists-warn/
- Stearn, E. (2024, January 2). Doctors report “nightmare” surge in scabies amid shortage of medicines to treat the highly. . . Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12918925/Doctors-report-nightmare-surge-highly-contagious-itchy-skin-condition-caused-tiny-mites.html
