The UK is experiencing a notable rise in scabies cases, prompting doctors and public health officials to issue warnings. In the year to April, hospitals in England recorded 3,689 scabies diagnoses—up from 2,128 in the prior period, a more than 50 % increase. Medical professionals emphasize that, although scabies is treatable, its highly contagious nature means delayed detection or treatment can accelerate spread, particularly in communal environments such as care homes, university residences, and crowded households.

Scabies is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows into the skin, triggering inflammatory reactions. Symptoms often include intense itching—especially at night—and a rash of small red bumps or tracks. Commonly affected areas include the spaces between fingers, wrists, elbows, waistline, and underarms. Because symptoms can mimic other skin conditions, health officials urge people not to ignore persistent itching or unusual rashes, and to seek a medical diagnosis rather than self‑treating.

Treatment typically involves topical medications (creams or lotions such as permethrin or malathion) applied across the entire body, repeated after one week, and simultaneous treatment of all close contacts—even if they show no symptoms—to prevent reinfection. Alongside treatment, strict hygiene measures are essential: wash bedding, clothing, and towels on high heat; seal or isolate items that can’t be washed; avoid close physical contact until treatment is complete. A complicating factor is a shortage of the primary treatments in some regions, which has drawn concern from dermatologists and GPs.