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A rise in scabies cases has been reported, with many people describing their experience with the parasitic infestation as extremely difficult. Jane Grandon from Caerphilly recounted how scabies, caused by tiny mites that tunnel into the skin, had a significant negative effect on her life. After several misdiagnoses and time off work, she faced financial losses due to inadequate statutory sick pay. Meanwhile, Dr. Donald Grant, a GP in Wales, noted that cases have climbed steadily over recent years, now far surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The British Association of Dermatologists highlighted that scabies is still widely misunderstood and carries an unnecessary stigma, which they believe must be addressed.
Scabies manifests as an itchy rash caused by mites, which spread mainly through close skin-to-skin contact. According to NHS information, symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, along with a bumpy rash that can cover much of the body. The tiny mites are invisible to the naked eye and scabies is not linked to poor hygiene, unlike bedbugs. Treatment typically involves applying an over-the-counter cream or lotion to the entire body, with a second application after seven days. It is essential that everyone sharing a household is treated simultaneously. Additionally, bedding and clothing must be washed at a high temperature (60°C) on the first day of treatment, or sealed away for several days if they can’t be washed.
Jane shared the frustration and difficulty she endured, describing the itching as unbearable and the process of eradicating the mites a “nightmare.” She and her son even purchased a new washing machine to help sanitize their belongings. Jane stressed the financial strain caused by the illness and urged others to seek prompt treatment if symptoms appear, emphasizing how challenging it is to eliminate the condition once contracted. Another individual, 25-year-old Sasha McCabe from London, described a prolonged 16-month battle with scabies. Despite numerous treatments including steroid creams and soaps, her symptoms persisted until an oral medication was finally prescribed by her GP, resolving the infestation. Sasha also spoke about the mental toll scabies took, affecting her social interactions and leading to feelings of isolation.
The government has reported a 44% increase in scabies diagnoses through sexual health services between 2023 and 2024, with numbers now exceeding those seen in 2019. In Wales alone, over 12,000 consultations were recorded in 2023-24, rising sharply from about 1,300 in 2018-19. Dr. Grant suggested several factors contributing to the rise, including delays in treatment, closer physical contact after the pandemic, and ongoing stigma preventing people from seeking help promptly. Misdiagnosis is also common, with scabies sometimes confused with eczema or dermatitis. Dr. Tess McPherson from the British Association of Dermatologists noted that many cases go unreported because people do not visit their GP, making exact data hard to obtain. She stressed the importance of breaking down the stigma around scabies and reminded that most cases can be effectively treated with over-the-counter creams, though oral medication like ivermectin is available for persistent infections. The Royal College of GPs also highlighted outbreaks in care homes and university residences. Meanwhile, the National Pharmacy Association’s Wales Manager, Rhodri Thomas, pointed out that pharmacists in Wales can provide free consultations and treatments for scabies in certain circumstances, easing access to care
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