Dermatologists Sound Alarm as Scabies Cases Rise

TOPLINE:

The British Association of Dermatologists is alerting the public and clinicians about an unusual increase in scabies cases thus far this year.

METHODOLOGY:

• The British Association of Dermatologists has issued a statement encouraging people to seek care for suspicious rashes and, if scabies is identified, to notify household members.
• The statement drew on a weekly surveillance report from the Royal College of General Practitioners on communicable and respiratory diseases for England.

TAKEAWAY:

• The rate of scabies in England has been “unusually high” in 2024, even ahead of the typical winter peak, according to the statement.
• The surveillance report shows that weekly incidence rates are trending “well above” the historical average, at roughly three cases per 100,000 population nationally vs one case per 100,000 population over the past 5 years.
• The uptick in cases is especially notable in the north of England, where the weekly incidence rate is approximately five cases per 100,000 population.
• Scabies is a highly contagious mite infection that spreads by skin-to-skin contact and can be particularly problematic in group living settings such as university residence halls and care homes.
• Common symptoms are widespread itch and a spotty rash that may affect the entire body, but especially occurs between the fingers and around skin creases (the elbows and knees) and genital areas.
• Treatment can be obtained through general practitioners or over the counter; close contacts should be treated concurrently even if they are asymptomatic.
• The British Association of Dermatologists offers an information leaflet for patients.

IN PRACTICE: 

“While we don’t know for certain what is driving the number of cases up, this has been something we have been seeing for the last few years,” British Association of Dermatologists representative Tess McPherson, MD, MRCP, commented in the statement. “Factors in the ongoing infestations seem to be delays in diagnosis, delays in beginning treatment, and not using treatments to full effect, which can lead to reinfection.”

SOURCE:

The statement was authored by the British Association of Dermatologists and was published online on October 25.

DISCLOSURES:

The statement did not receive any funding. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.