Scabies Cases Surge in England, Prompting Public Health Warnings

Doctors urge individuals to seek treatment promptly amid rising scabies cases linked to social stigma and treatment shortages.

GPs in England have reported a significant increase in scabies cases, with diagnoses rising 73% to 3,689 in the past year.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by mites, spreading through close contact and shared items like bedding and clothing.
The Royal College of GPs highlights a spike in cases, particularly in the north of England, with university students and care home residents among the most affected.
Social stigma surrounding scabies often prevents individuals from seeking treatment, exacerbating the spread and risk of secondary infections.
There are reported shortages of common scabies treatments, such as permethrin and malathion, complicating efforts to control outbreaks.