The United Kingdom is currently facing an unusually large outbreak of scabies, prompting doctors and public health officials to urge people not to ignore early warning signs. Medical professionals advise seeking treatment promptly if red spots, rashes, or persistent itching appear on the body, as early intervention is key to preventing further spread.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, meaning it can easily pass between family members, partners, or people living in close quarters. Anyone, regardless of age or hygiene, can be affected.
The most common symptoms include intense itching—often worse at night—and a raised rash or small red spots. The rash usually appears on the body but typically spares the head and neck in adults. Commonly affected areas include the spaces between the fingers, wrists, underarms, waist, groin, buttocks, and around the elbows.
Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may develop scabies in less typical areas, including the head, neck, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. In people who are immunocompromised, a more severe and highly contagious form known as crusted scabies can occur. This form may cause thick, flaky, or scaly skin, particularly on the elbows, knees, hands, and feet, and carries a much higher risk of transmission.
According to data from the National Health Service (NHS), more than 3,600 people across the UK have been diagnosed with scabies in hospitals, highlighting the scale of the current outbreak. Experts believe the true number of cases may be even higher, as many individuals do not seek medical care.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), noted that social stigma plays a significant role in preventing people from coming forward for diagnosis and treatment. She explained that many patients dismiss symptoms or feel embarrassed to consult a doctor, allowing the condition to spread further.
She also stated that GP diagnoses are currently above the five-year average and continue to rise, with a noticeable surge in cases in the north of England. While scabies is not considered a serious or life-threatening condition, Hawthorne emphasized that it can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life.
“If scabies is not treated properly, it can spread easily and increase the risk of complications,” she said. These complications may include secondary bacterial skin infections, worsening of existing skin conditions such as eczema, and prolonged discomfort that affects sleep and mental well-being.
Health officials have also pointed to shortages of scabies treatments as a contributing factor to the outbreak. Limited availability of prescribed creams and medications has made it more difficult for patients to receive timely care, further exacerbating the spread of the infection.
Doctors continue to stress that scabies is a common and treatable condition, and that seeking medical advice early is the most effective way to control outbreaks, reduce discomfort, and protect others from infection.
