Scabies has returned to the UK, with a rise in cases across the country reported by doctors concerned about a severe lack of treatment options. This “nightmarish” situation represents “a serious threat to public health,” warns the British Association of Dermatologists in the Guardian. The north of England in particular recorded twice as many cases as normal in November. Scabies is a highly contagious disease caused by mites and causes an itchy rash. Anyone can become infected with the disease through close skin contact and must be treated quickly to prevent it from spreading. But it has become difficult to find treatment in the UK.
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Supply chain problems, the war in Ukraine and rising raw material prices have led to shortages of both permethrin and malathion for months. The inability to treat those affected quickly is fueling the spread of scabies, doctors report. For dermatologists who spoke to the Guardian, the situation has become an “absolute nightmare”, with outbreaks in care homes and university accommodation. In desperation, many patients have tried to purchase extremely expensive alternative treatments on websites outside the UK. A survey by the British Association of Dermatologists commissioned by the Guardian found that eight out of nine regional representatives reported an increase in scabies cases in their area this year. Seven of nine reported permethrin and malathion deficiency.