Residents across England are being warned not to ignore an itchy rash, as GPs report a surge in cases of scabies—a highly contagious skin infestation.
The condition, caused by a mite that burrows under the skin to lay eggs, can be spread through close physical contact, bedding, and clothing.
It’s particularly prevalent in places where people live closely together, such as universities and care homes, says the Royal College of GPs (RCGP).
However, they added that “social stigma” often prevents people from seeking help.
RCGP chairwoman, Prof Kamila Hawthorne, told the BBC that while incidences remain infrequent, the number of GP diagnoses is “above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in cases”.
She warned that although scabies is not a serious condition, it can be very itchy and irritating.
If left untreated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications, such as secondary skin infections or exacerbate existing skin conditions.
NHS figures reveal that some 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England in the year to April – up from 2,128 the previous year.
The BBC has heard from individuals at five universities around the country, who spoke of multiple cases appearing “out of nowhere” and entire houses being affected by scabies.
One student told the BBC that “tiny red dots” along his wrist had begun spreading.
“One of my housemates came out to the house that she had scabies at the time as well. So then I was like, ‘Okay, so do I’,” he added.
A student disclosed his struggle with battling scabies, enduring “two to three months” to shake off the affliction, and suggested that its spread could be due to “probably a lot of sleeping together”.
Professor Hawthorne pointed out: “We recognise that patients may be apprehensive to seek treatment given the social stigma that surrounds the condition, but it is important that they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people.”
To effectively prevent the spread, medical professionals urge all affected parties to use prescribed treatments in unison, including creams or lotions, and stress the need for washing clothes and bedding at high temperatures.
Dr Alison George, a GP and A&E doctor in northern England, noted with concern that many students postpone seeking medical advice until the outbreak worsens: “It can be really nasty. It is then really difficult to treat if you’ve got a really large area of the body covered in it.”
