The UK is experiencing unusually large scabies outbreaks and doctors encourage people to seek medical treatment if they notice red dots on their body and not to ignore the symptoms.

As an itchy rash, scabies is caused by mites that spreads through close skin contact. Early treatment is crucial to stop the spreading. Anyone can be affected by it.

Some of the common symptoms are intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots.

Scabies typically leads to a rash across the body, not including the head and neck, and often appears between fingers, around wrists, waist, underarms, groin, and bottom.

The elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems can get scabies on the head, palms, neck, and soles. In immunocompromised individuals, a highly contagious form called crusted scabies may cause a flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands, and feet.

As per NHS, the number of cases of people affected by the infection who were diagnosed in hospitals around the country is over 3,600.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, RCGP chairwoman, shared that many people who experience the symptoms refuse to seek medical help because of the “social stigma” surrounding the infection. She said that the number of GP diagnoses was “above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in cases.”

“While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating,” she said.

“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.”

One of the reasons for the scabies outbreak, in spite of the social stigma attached to it, is the shortage of treatment.

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