The NHS has seen a huge spike in scabies cases and is urging Brits to be wary of symptoms such as ‘tiny red dots’.
Scabies often goes unreported due to the stigma surrounding the condition. However, as the infection is spread through personal contact, it’s important that those experiencing symptoms seek medical advice.
Anyone is at risk of getting scabies, with symptoms including tiny red and raised dots that form a very itchy rash, sores, and crusts on the skin around the affected area. Itching may be particularly intense at night.
READ MORE:Victorian-era disease outbreak leads to hospital surge throughout UK as doctors issue warning
The infectious disease is caused by mites burrowing under the skin, that can be caught from anything from bedding to boyfriends. Many see the symptoms start to appear on their hands.
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The chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs reported that scabies diagnoses are above the five year average, and appear to be rising. Scabies is especially present in the North of England.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne commented: “While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating. 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.”
As well as the disease potentially developing into further skin infections, Brits should also be wary of passing on scabies to vulnerable people. Experts at academic medical centre, Cleveland Clinic, explained that the risk of contracting scabies often increases depending on environment.
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Being in close proximity to people, and living in crowded conditions, is one of the most common ways to contract scabies. University students often report experiencing scabies symptoms after moving into halls.
One fresher told the BBC that ‘tiny red dots’ on his wrist and hands were the first symptom. The student reported it was likely due to close proximity with an infected person: “One of my housemates came out to the house that she had scabies at the time as well. So then I was like, ‘Okay, so do I’.”
Infants, children, young adults, and their carers, are also at risk due to continuous mixing. The elderly, healthcare workers, and those with multiple sexual partners are also at higher risk.
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People with weaker immune systems should remain extremely vigilant, as they may be able to contract a rare and contagious form of the disease, called crusted scabies.
Symptoms of crusted scabies are similar to its predecessor, but cause crusting and flaking of the skin.
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