The scabies surge might have you worried. Here’s a guide to tell you what you need to know
First things first – don’t panic! Yes, scabies cases are reportedly on the rise, but there’s no need to be alarmed. We’re here to clear up the facts. We’ll be scratching the surface on what exactly scabies is, and what you should do if you think you might have it.
What is scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that causes an itchy rash. It’s caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing under your skin. Scabies spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, so anyone can get it. But don’t worry – with prompt treatment, you can stop it in its tracks.
Could it be scabies?
Symptoms of scabies can include:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- A raised rash with lines and or small spots that may look red on lighter skin. They can be harder to see on brown or black skin, but you can usually feel them. On black and brown skin, the spots might look darker than your usual skin colour
The mites typically leave little lines on your skin with a tiny dot at one end, where they’ve burrowed in and laid eggs. Common areas for the rash to appear are between your fingers, around your wrists, under your arms and around your waist or groin.
Sometimes, it can appear as small red or dark spots that might spread across your body (though it typically isn’t on the head and neck).
For babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, the rash can also show up on the head, neck, palms, and soles of the feet.
In rare cases, some people with a weaker immune system may experience a type of scabies called crusted scabies. This type causes a crusty, flaky rash which often affects the elbows, knees, hands, and feet, and it can be more contagious.
Scabies in sensitive areas?
If you think you might have genital scabies or if your partner has recently been diagnosed, you should make an appointment with a sexual health clinic or your GP.
When you arrive at the clinic, you’ll be asked for some personal details and a bit about your sexual history. After a quick examination, they’ll discuss any treatments you may need to get rid of the scabies.
Until both you and your partner have completed a full course of treatment, it’s best to avoid having sex and close bodily contact to stop scabies from spreading further. The clinic may also offer to test for other sexually transmitted infections.
Can scabies come with complications?
While scabies itself isn’t usually serious, there are a few complications to watch out for, especially if the itching leads to scratching. Scratching can damage the skin, opening the door to infections like impetigo – a bacterial infection that causes red sores and can be easily spread.
If you’re managing other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, scabies might make them worse.
If you notice signs of a bacterial infection, like marked redness, swelling, the area feeling warm, soreness or pus, or if you’re struggling to manage your skin condition alongside scabies, make sure to speak to your GP. They can help keep things under control and get you back to feeling better.
How does scabies spread?
Scabies can spread easily through close skin-to-skin contact, like cuddling, handholding or even just being in close quarters. It can also be passed through sexual contact. It’s good to know that pets aren’t part of the problem, as scabies in animals is caused by another type of mite that doesn’t infect humans.
People living in shared living or working spaces, like nurseries, university halls or nursing homes, are at a higher risk due to having close contact.
It’s important to know that having scabies isn’t about cleanliness; anyone can get it, regardless of how often they wash. It’s just one of those things that happens, so no judgement here!
Why the scabies surge?
In recent months, reports of scabies cases have been increasing in the UK and Europe. While it isn't known for certain what’s driving the rise in cases, contributing factors may include delays in beginning treatment, and not using treatments to full effect. The close quarters of winter don’t help either; with everyone indoors, scabies can spread faster.
Beating the itch
Scabies isn’t usually serious, but it does need quick treatment to keep it from spreading. A pharmacist can help with this. They’ll likely recommend a cream or lotion that you apply all over your body, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
The treatments usually contain insecticides that kill the scabies mite.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to let the pharmacist know to help make sure the treatment is suitable for you.
You’ll need to:
- Repeat the treatment one week later to make sure the mites are gone
- Treat everyone in your household at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms (even though scabies is very infectious, it can take up to eight weeks before a rash shows up)
- If you’ve had close contact or sexual contact with anyone in the past eight weeks, let them know they should also get treated.
If you’re experiencing itchiness, let your pharmacist or GP know and they may recommend treatment to help.
For children under two, a GP visit is needed, as the GP might have to refer them to a specialist.
Stopping the spread
If you or someone in your family is dealing with scabies, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent it from spreading to others.
Here’s what to do:
- Wash all bedding and clothes in the house at 60°C or higher (use a hot drier if you can!) on the first day of treatment
- For items that can’t be washed, seal them in a bag for three days to make sure the mites have died
- Avoid having sex or close physical contact until you’ve completed the full treatment course
- No sharing! Keep your bedding, clothes, and towels to yourself while scabies is being treated
How long until you’re in the clear?
Here’s the good news – adults and children aged five and over can return to work or school as soon as they start treatment but try to avoid close contact for the first 24 hours.
For little ones under five, they can go back to nursery or school 24 hours after the first treatment. Even though the treatment kills the mites fast, itching might stick around for a few weeks – it’s normal! This is because your immune system might still be reacting to dead mites and their droppings.
Make sure to speak with your GP if:
- Your child under two has scabies symptoms or someone else in your household has it
- You notice signs of a bacterial infection on your skin, or you’re managing another skin condition, like eczema
- You notice a crusted, flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands or feet
- You’ve completed pharmacy treatment but are still itching two to four weeks later
From spotting the symptoms to stopping the spread, knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference.
While scabies may be causing a bit of a buzz (and an itch) lately, a little knowledge goes a long way.
