Horror UK scabies outbreak 'linked to universities and care homes'

Doctors around the country say they are seeing more people coming forward with - and have urged Brits not to ignore symptoms of the highly infectious skin disease, which is caused by mites.

According to new figures from the , scabies cases in England are now 72 per cent higher for the time of year than the average over the past five years. In the week to Sunday, October 23, there were 3.1 cases of the disease per 100,000 people.

In the north of England, about 4.7 people in 100,000 were diagnosed with scabies over the same period. These outbreaks often occur in group living facilities, such as residential and university halls, Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists, said.

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Dr McPherson said: "We would urge people who suspect they may have scabies, or who still have scabies, to seek medical treatment for this incredibly contagious skin condition at the earliest opportunity. It is important to state that you do not get scabies because you are unhygienic, and there should be no stigma associated with having scabies.

"As scabies spreads easily by skin-to-skin contact, you should tell people you live with if you have scabies to help stop this spreading. Scabies commonly affects people living in group living facilities such as university halls and care homes. The surge in cases that we saw in September may in part be explained by students returning to university, with cases spreading through halls of residence.

"If even one person in a group doesn't treat, then reinfection can easily occur, and scabies can continue to spread. Treatments are available for scabies both over the counter and through GP, but they need to be used as instructed to ensure they work."

The doctor added: "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. 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."

Scabies is spread through close skin contact and anyone can get it. The says it should be treated quickly to stop it from spreading further. The symptoms are intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots which may look read. The NHS adds: "They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them."

The rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck, and often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. However, older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms and soles of their feet.

People with a weakened immune system can sometimes get a rare and very contagious type of scabies, called crusted scabies. The main symptom is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet, according to the NHS.

If you or someone in your family has scabies, you should wash all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day in treatment. The NHS also recommends putting clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days, until the mites die.

You should not have sex or close physical contact until you have completed the full course of treatment. You should also avoid sharing bedding, clothing or towels with someone who has the disease.