Doctors are observing a notable increase in scabies cases across the UK, coupled with a severe shortage of treatments, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Scabies, caused by mites and characterized by an itchy rash, spreads through close skin contact and requires prompt treatment to prevent further transmission.
In the UK, the primary treatment options, permethrin and malathion, have faced extended shortages due to supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and escalating raw material costs.
This situation has escalated into a burgeoning public health crisis, with dermatologists and general practitioners struggling to promptly treat scabies patients.
Reports indicate that the north of England saw double the usual number of cases in November.
Dermatologists describe the current situation as a “nightmare,” particularly with outbreaks reported in care homes, nursing facilities, and university accommodations.
They highlight the challenge posed by limited national tracking of scabies cases, suggesting the actual extent of the problem could be more severe than reported.
Some individuals, desperate due to treatment unavailability, have resorted to purchasing expensive alternatives online from overseas.
Prof Mabs Chowdhury, President of the British Association of Dermatologists, emphasized the urgency of addressing the treatment shortages:
“The public health equation is straightforward – scabies spreads easily, and without treatment, it will continue to do so. The consequences of these shortages are unfortunately being overlooked.”
He raised concerns about scabies outbreaks in communal living environments like care homes and universities, where transmission is more challenging to control.
He stressed the need for proactive planning by public health authorities to manage such outbreaks effectively.
A survey commissioned by the British Association of Dermatologists found that eight out of nine regional representatives reported an increase in scabies cases this year. Seven out of nine cited shortages of permethrin and malathion.
A dermatologist from the north-east explained how treatment shortages were exacerbating the situation: “The lack of availability likely leads to increased infections, necessitating more scabies treatments and adding strain to healthcare resources.”
Prof Chowdhury predicted a further rise in cases during the winter months as people spend more time indoors together.
He underscored the strain on individuals with scabies, many of whom are resorting to purchasing treatments at inflated prices online.
Prof Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, emphasized that while scabies isn’t life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life and exacerbate existing conditions like eczema if left untreated.
She highlighted a notable increase in scabies presentations since July, particularly in the north of England.
She stressed the importance of timely treatment, noting the shortages of permethrin cream and malathion lotion, which are typically prescribed.
Dr Tess McPherson, President of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, emphasized the importance of destigmatizing scabies, noting that anyone can contract it, including her own son, a student at Cambridge University.
“I wasn’t entirely surprised to diagnose it in my son, given the increasing prevalence among children and young people,” she said, advocating for widespread understanding that scabies is not linked to personal hygiene.
The article underscores the urgent need to address treatment shortages to effectively manage and prevent the spread of scabies in the UK.
