If you’re feeling itchy, we might have bad news for you as cases of a hyper-contagious skin condition seem to be on the rise.
Rashes so terrible that will make you want to throw out of the window the cardinal rule of all skin conditions — Do not scratch — are the main symptoms of an infestation that appears to have grown in numbers since last year.
Yes, we’re talking about scabies, a condition that comes with a side of social stigma that may put people off seeking medical advice and therefore spread even more whilst one waits it out.
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What is scabies?
Tiny mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei are the members of the arachnid family that are responsible for causing scabies. The mites, which are basically invisible to the naked eye at 0.4mm in length, burrow and lay eggs under the skin.
As horrible as this may sound, scabies is completely treatable, and the sooner you see your GP, the better. And it’s in your best interest to do so promptly as scabies is extremely contagious and delaying treatment may increase a patient’s risk of complications.
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"While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating," said Professor Kamila Hawthorn, chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), via the Metro.
"If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications such as secondary skin infections or make existing skin conditions worse, she adds, such as impetigo, a bacterial skin disease with oozing sores."
Where abouts on the body do scabies rashes appear?
As to where one can find a rash if they have scabies, it depends on age.
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Dr Tess McPherson, of the charity British Association of Dermatologists, explained that adults can normally find mites in the warmest spots in the body.
"There can be a rash which can appear similar to conditions such as eczema but typically there may be small spots in between fingers, toes and genital areas.”
In infants, the scalp, face, palms and soles are the sneaky mites’ favourite locations.
Is scabies infectious, and how easily can it be spread?
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To develop an infection, one only needs about ten egg-laying female mites. While they can only survive three days in the outside world, females of the species can last up a month on someone’s body, which is why scabies is usually passed through direct skin-to-skin contact.
Of course, sexual intercourse is the first culprit in transmitting scabies, but even sharing a house with someone with the condition means there’s a high risk of getting it.
"So if one person has scabies, their closest contacts should also be evaluated and potentially treated to prevent mite spread or re-infections even without symptoms appearing yet," said Randall Higgins, a pharmacist and skincare specialist at the acne advice Good Glow.‘
"We recognise that patients may be apprehensive to seek treatment given the social stigma that surrounds the condition, but it is important that they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people – particularly if they are living in close proximity to others such as on a university campus," Dr Hawthorne said.
Treatment options
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"The treatment for scabies is a topical cream or lotion – the most commonly used are permethrin cream and malathion lotion – that can be purchased in pharmacies, or by prescription in general practice, she said of the creams, that are to be applied thoroughly.
"If symptoms persist following treatment, then a patient should contact their GP. We are aware that the symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life so we will try our best to ensure an individual receives prompt and effective treatment," she added.
Dr Will Welfare, Director of regions at the UK Health Security Agency, urged those who have scabies to follow some simple steps to prevent the spreading.
"If you have scabies, there are steps you can take to stop it from spreading during treatment, including washing all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher on the first day of treatment and putting clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days until the mites die," he said.
Sex is a no-no whilst you’re completing a full course of treatment, as is sharing bedding, clothing or towels.
Stefania Sarrubba