Scabies cases on the rise in England

Doctors in England have issued a warning regarding the rise in scabies cases in the country, with one doctor describing the situation as an 'absolute nightmare'.

It was stated that this highly contagious skin infection spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and results in an itchy rash.

Scabies, which was last an epidemic during the Victorian era, has resurfaced on the island.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), the symptoms of scabies are 'intense itching, especially at night' and 'a raised rash or spots'.

It was noted that the rash usually spreads across the entire body, excluding the head and neck, and typically affects the skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and the waist, groin, and lower areas. It was stated that while it is not a serious or dangerous condition, it can be uncomfortable and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent its spread.

In statements made to the Guardian, doctors warned that there is currently a shortage of the two treatment options in England, permethrin and malathion, due to rising raw material costs, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and supply chain issues.

While it was stated that all these factors mean doctors cannot treat the condition quickly enough, leading to the spread of scabies, health officials warned that outbreaks are increasing in care homes and university dormitories.

"EVERYONE CAN BE RE-INFECTED"

President of the British Association of Dermatologists, Prof Mabs Chowdhury, stated:

"The shortage of scabies treatments is an issue that requires urgent attention. Scabies is a condition that is not very complex to calculate in terms of public health; it spreads easily, and if people are not treated, it continues to spread. Unfortunately, it is easy to ignore the consequences of treatment shortages. The tracking of scabies cases is very limited, and people are often embarrassed to talk about it. The spread of scabies in care homes, university dormitories, and other communal living facilities is a major cause for concern. This makes treatment much more difficult. If even one person is not fully treated, everyone can be re-infected. Given the challenges in the social care sector and treatment shortages, public health agencies need to plan for outbreaks in care facilities."

A survey conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists and the Guardian revealed that eight out of nine regional representatives saw an increase in scabies in their regions in 2023, and seven out of nine reported experiencing treatment shortages.

Speaking to the Guardian, one doctor said, "The lack of availability is likely leading to further spread of the infection, which in turn requires more scabies treatment and increases the pressure on demand."

News Source: 12punto