The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is reported to be concerned about an increase in the number of cases of scabies across the UK, at a time when there is a shortage of treatments resulting from supply chain and other issues (Guardian, 1 January 2024).
BAD have called for medication shortages to be tackled urgently and for public health bodies to plan for outbreaks in care facilities.
BAD say a major concern is scabies spreading in care homes, university halls of residence, and other communal living facilities, where if one person is not treated completely, others can be reinfected. BAD are also concerned that cases may rise as people spend more time indoors in winter months.
There is advice on scabies on the NHS website, which describes scabies as an itchy rash caused by mites, which is spread through close skin contact. Anyone can get it and it should be treated quickly to stop it spreading.
The Homecare Association has emailed members to alert them to this concern.
