THE ROYAL College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has reported a significant rise in scabies cases presenting at GP surgeries across England, with the incidence rate markedly higher than the five-year seasonal average.
According to RCGP surveillance data, cases of the skin condition have consistently surpassed usual levels throughout the year, with a pronounced increase in recent months. For the week beginning 14th October, cases reached 3.1 per 100,000 people, a notable spike compared to the typical five-year average, which has never exceeded two per 100,000.
Kamila Hawthorne MBE, Professor of Medical Education, University of Surrey and Chair of the RCGP, has cautioned that while scabies cases remain relatively rare, the increase warrants attention. Scabies, a skin infestation caused by mites, is typically treated with medicated creams, such as permethrin. Complete treatment often requires multiple applications and treatment of all household members, including those without symptoms.
“If symptoms continue after treatment, it’s essential to contact your GP,” Hawthorne advised, acknowledging the impact the symptoms can have on patients’ quality of life. Scabies, although not usually serious, can cause intense itching and can spread quickly through close contact.
The RCGP surveillance data highlighted a particularly sharp rise in scabies cases in northern England, which dermatologists and the RCGP’s surveillance centre had previously noted earlier in the year. Hawthorne also addressed the stigma around the condition, encouraging patients not to delay treatment despite potential discomfort in seeking help. Delays in treatment could worsen symptoms and raise the risk of secondary infections or exacerbate existing skin conditions.
This surge comes amid warnings from the British Association of Dermatologists about shortages in scabies treatments, which Community Pharmacy England has said are increasing workloads for healthcare providers across the board.
Reference
Royal College of General Practitioners. RSC Communicable and Respiratory Disease Report for England. 2024. Available at: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/getmedia/a23a529b-1571-47dd-8926e5b78b83d171/WeeklyReport-wk42-2024-wednesday.pdf. Last accessed: 29 October 2024.
