Scabies outbreak raises concern in the United Kingdom
Doctors have reported an increase in scabies cases across the United Kingdom amid a severe shortage of treatments, raising concerns about a “nightmarish” situation threatening public health.
The British newspaper “The Guardian” cited insiders stating that dermatologists are struggling to quickly treat individuals affected by scabies, with Northern England experiencing a decline in the normal number of cases in November 2023.
Paramedics have reported a rise in cases, with fears that failure to promptly treat those affected is contributing to the spread of the condition.
Dermatologists, speaking to “The Guardian,” stated that the situation has become an “absolute nightmare,” with the disease spreading in care homes, nursing homes, and university accommodations.
One leader in dermatology mentioned that the national tracking of scabies-infected patients has been “extremely limited,” indicating that the problem may be worse than feared.
Some patients have become extremely desperate to the point of seeking to purchase expensive alternative treatments online from outside the United Kingdom.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a highly contagious condition caused by mites, leading to an itchy skin rash. It spreads through close skin contact, and anyone can be affected. It requires prompt treatment to stop its spread.
In the United Kingdom, there are two main treatment options: permethrin and malathion. A combination of supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine, along with the increased cost of raw materials, has led to shortages of both for months.
