New outbreak of Scabies in the UK prompts concern among health officials

A new wave of skin rashes has taken hold of many parts of England, with university students the worst affected.

Around 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England in the first four months of 2024, a significant rise from 2,128 cases in all of 2023.

Universities nationwide have reported students complaining of small red dots and rashes on their skin. These infections have caused considerable discomfort and distress. The infection also seems to have taken hold in many parts of the north of England.

So, what is this infection?

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested with Better2Know today.

Get tested

What is scabies?

The skin infection that is making the rounds around England has been identified as Scabies.

Scabies is a parasitic infestation of the skin. Small mites burrow into the skin where they lay eggs. The immune system reacts to the presence of these mites, causing severe itching and a rash made up of small red dots or lesions. Occasionally, tiny burrows may also appear on the skin, leaving linear or S-shaped tracks.

The itching and rash can occur anywhere on the body but usually affect the webs of the fingers, feet, ventral wrists, elbows, back, buttocks, and genitals. Usually, the neck and the head are not affected.

Symptoms usually appear about two to eight weeks after the initial infection.

Unfortunately, Scabies is the subject of a lot of stigma, which can prevent people from seeking treatment.

How is Scabies spread?

Scabies is most often contracted through prolonged physical contact with an infected person. This can include hugging, cuddling, holding hands, and other forms of skin-to-skin contact. Transmission through casual contact, like a handshake, is possible but unlikely.

Although it is less common, Scabies can also be spread through sharing clothes, towels, and bedding.

Scabies most often spread where communities of people are in prolonged contact with each other, such as:

Within a single household
Nursing homes
Care facilities
Schools
Daycares
Dormitories and student residences
Gym and sports lockers

Can Scabies be cured?

Scabies can be treated using topical creams containing insecticides. After applying the topical cream, the mites will start to die within a few hours. Any rash may take several days to a few weeks to clear.

To avoid reinfection, everyone in a household must be treated simultaneously. During and after treatment, everyone must wash all bedding and clothes in hot water.