Cases of highly contagious skin insect scabies are on the rise in Britain, with cases appearing ‘out of the blue’ and affecting entire households.
The condition, caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, causes intense itching – and spreads easily when people come into close contact.
If not treated properly, the infestation can last for months or even years, while the parasite and its eggs can also live in bed linen and towels.
Health officials are now warning the public to be vigilant for the symptoms.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, president of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘If scabies is not treated properly it can spread quickly and increase a patient’s risk of complications such as secondary skin infections or worsen existing skin conditions.’
The condition, caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, causes intense itching – and spreads easily when people are in close contact
Health officials are warning the public to be vigilant for the symptoms of scabies, which can appear as a red rash between the fingers
Diagnosing scabies can be challenging because it can take up to eight weeks for the telltale red rash, which affects the skin folds in the elbow, knee, buttocks and between fingers and toes, to appear.
In the early stages, intense itching, which is worse at night, may be the only symptom.
Later, red raised ‘paths’ or dots will be visible, where the mites dig a tunnel to lay eggs.
Some 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England over the year to April – up from 2,128 the year before, according to NHS figures reported by the BBC.
Because of the way the bug is transmitted, outbreaks are most common among schoolchildren, young adults – who can contract the disease through sexual transmission – and in nursing homes.
Those with weaker immune systems may be vulnerable to a more severe form of the disease, scabies, which involves a higher density of mites.
Scratching can also aggravate other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and lead to complications such as bacterial infections.
However, it is a myth that scabies is linked to poor hygiene; Regular washing makes no difference and anyone can suffer from it.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, President of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘Although not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating and can easily be contracted through close physical contact.
Because of the way the bug is transmitted, outbreaks are most common among schoolchildren, young adults – who can contract the disease through sexual transmission – and in nursing homes.
She confirmed that doctors were seeing rising cases, with most cases in the north of England, and urged people to seek medical help if they suspect they have been infected.
‘Patients may be reluctant to seek treatment given the social stigma surrounding the condition, but it is important that they do not ignore their symptoms.
‘Doing this puts you at risk of transmitting the condition to other people, especially if they live near others, such as on a university campus.’
The BBC has heard from people from five universities across the country who spoke of several cases that came ‘out of nowhere’.
One student said he saw “little red dots” along his wrist that began to spread.
‘One of my housemates came to the house saying she also had scabies at the time. So then I thought, “Okay, me too,” he added.
Another student reported that they had been trying to get rid of the infection for “two to three months” without success.
When treating scabies, an anti-parasite lotion – permethrin or malathion – is rubbed into the skin over the entire body, including under the nails, for at least eight to twelve hours.
This means you have to reapply it every time someone washes their hands. The process should be repeated seven days later to ensure that all mites and their eggs have been destroyed.
Everyone in the same household and all sexual partners in the past eight weeks should also apply it, even if they have no symptoms.
As previously reported by MailOnline, previous outbreaks have led to permethrin shortages.
Alternatively, doctors can now also prescribe ivermectin, which is available in pill form.
Prof Hawthorne said: ‘If symptoms persist after treatment, a patient should contact their GP.
‘We are aware that symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life, so we will do our best to ensure that an individual receives prompt and effective treatment.’