Doctors are warning Brits not to ignore an irritating rash as GPs report a surge in scabies cases.
The skin condition can be easily contracted through close physical contact, bedding and clothes, spreading rapidly in places where groups of people live together, such as university halls of residence.
NHS figures show some 3,689 cases of the Victorian-era disease were detected in hospitals in England in the year to April, rising from 2,128 the year before.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating, and can be easily contracted through close physical contact.
“If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications such as secondary skin infections or make existing skin conditions worse.”
The professor added that the rate scabies is spreading in general practice is above the five year average and rising.
A spike in cases has been reported in the North of England, although “incidences are still infrequent”, according to Professor Hawthorne.
She urged anyone with scabies or who thinks they might have it not to be put off seeking treatment, adding: “We recognise patients may be apprehensive to seek treatment given the social stigma that surrounds the condition.
“But it is important they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people – particularly if they are living in close proximity to others, such as on a university campus.”
Scabies is treatable with a topical cream or lotion. The most commonly used are permethrin cream and malathion lotion. These can be purchased in pharmacies or by prescription from a GP.
Dr Will Welfare, Director of Regions at the UK Health Security Agency, said scabies is spread through close skin contact and anyone can get it, adding it is not caused by poor hygiene.
He continued: “Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated as it is very infectious so speak to a pharmacist if you think you have it.
“If you have scabies, there are steps you can take to stop it spreading during treatment, including washing all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher on the first day of treatment and putting clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days until the mites die.”
He added people should not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies or have sex or close physical contact until they have completed the full course of treatment.
Dr Alison George, a GP working in northern England, said students diagnosed with the disease have been turning up at A&E after it has worsened.
She told the BBC: “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.”
Professor Hawthorne, speaking on behalf of GPs, said: “We are aware the symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life so we will try our best to ensure an individual receives prompt and effective treatment.”
