In the UK, scabies has resurfaced, with a rise in cases across the country reported by doctors, who are concerned about the severe shortage of suitable drugs for treatment. Scabies is a highly contagious condition caused by mites, resulting in itching and a rash that spreads through close skin contact, meaning anyone can contract it and must be treated promptly to prevent its spread. Finding treatments to combat it in the UK has become a challenge.
A survey conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists and commissioned by The Guardian revealed that eight out of nine regional representatives reported an increase in scabies cases in their area this year, while seven out of nine reported shortages of “permethrin” and “malathion.” Supply chain issues and rising raw material costs have led to a shortage of both permethrin and malathion for several months. The inability to promptly treat affected individuals is fueling the spread of scabies, as reported by doctors. For dermatologists interviewed by The Guardian, the situation has become a nightmare, with outbreaks occurring in nursing homes and university accommodation. Desperate, many patients have tried to purchase alternative treatments, often extremely costly options available on websites outside the UK. The situation urgently requires intervention to ensure adequate access to treatments and contain the spread of scabies. The UK’s scabies spread rate is estimated at 3 cases for 100,000 people, double the normal rate for this time of year, but it may be considerably higher.
But what is scabies?
Scabies, also known as Sarcoptic scabies, is a skin disease caused by a microscopic parasite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These parasites feed on your blood and burrow tiny tunnels in your skin, causing intense itching and irritation. Scabies is a contagious skin infection that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. This disease, if left untreated, can cause significant discomfort and distress. However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, scabies becomes entirely curable. But how can this disease be prevented? First, let’s understand its symptoms.
Symptoms – Scabies symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
Intense itching – This is the most obvious symptom of scabies, often worse at night.
Skin rashes – You may develop small pustules or vesicles, often accompanied by crusts or nodules.
Redness – Infected skin can become red and irritated.
Tingling sensation – Many people report a tingling sensation on the skin.
Small thin tunnels – The parasites create small thin tunnels on the skin, often visible as gray or red lines.
Treatment – The good news is that scabies is treatable. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis. The most common treatments include:
Scabicidal lotions or creams – The presbytery doctor may prescribe a lotion or cream to be applied all over the body to kill the parasites. This treatment may take weeks, but to relieve itching, antihistamines may also be prescribed.
Washing fabrics – Wash all clothes, bedding, and towels at high temperatures to kill parasites.
Treatment for close contacts – People you have had close contact with should also be treated, even if they do not show obvious symptoms.
Prevention – Preventing scabies is possible. But how? Here are some important preventive measures:
- Maintain good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing and changing regular bedding.
- Try to avoid close physical contact with infected people.
- Regularly wash personal items such as toothbrushes and combs.
- Clean and vacuum the house regularly to remove any parasites.
Scabies can be bothersome, but with proper treatment and adequate preventive measures, it can be defeated. If you suspect you have scabies or have had contact with an infected person, do not hesitate to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The key to fighting scabies is information and timely action. But where is it easier to get this disease?
Developing countries – Scabies is more common in developing countries, where sanitary conditions and access to medical services are limited.
Indigenous communities – In some indigenous communities, scabies may be more widespread due to living conditions and limited access to medical care.
Refugee camps – In humanitarian crisis situations, such as refugee camps or displacement situations, scabies can spread rapidly due to overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions.
Some tropical regions – In some tropical and subtropical regions, scabies may be more common due to the warm and humid climate, which can promote transmission.
Crowded places – Even in crowded places such as prisons, dormitories, and residential facilities, scabies can spread more easily.
It is important to note that scabies may be present in many other nations and regions worldwide, but its prevalence can vary significantly. The best defense against scabies is to maintain good personal hygiene practices, avoid close contact with infected people, and seek timely medical care if a suspected infection occurs.
Below is a comprehensive guide to scabies care and the most suitable drugs for treatment.
Scabies is an annoying skin infection caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei. While it may be unpleasant, the good news is that scabies is treatable.
Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to obtain a correct diagnosis from a medical professional. Scabies can be confused with other skin conditions, so a visit to the doctor is essential for proper therapy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor can recommend various effective treatments to defeat scabies. The commonly used drugs are as follows:
Permethrin: This lotion or cream is one of the most common and effective treatments for scabies. It is applied to the entire body and left on for a specific period before rinsing off.
Ivermectin: This oral medication may be prescribed for severe or resistant scabies. It is administered under medical supervision.
Benzyl benzoate: It is a topical alternative to permethrin and is available as a cream or ointment.
Crotamiton: This medicine may be used in some cases, but its effectiveness may be lower than other treatments.
Washing clothes and personal items: During treatment, it is important to wash all clothes, bedding, and towels at high temperatures to eliminate any parasites.
What are the Preventive Measures?
Preventing scabies is as important as the treatment itself. Here are some key preventive measures – Personal hygiene – Maintain good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing and nail trimming – Avoiding close contact – Try to avoid close physical contact with infected people, especially during an outbreak – Environmental cleaning – Clean and vacuum the house regularly to remove any parasites – Frequent washing of personal items – It is essential to regularly wash personal items such as toothbrushes, combs, and towels.
Scabies can be bothersome, but it is entirely curable with proper treatment and timely diagnosis. If you suspect you have scabies or have had contact with an infected person, consult a doctor immediately. Remember that treatment should be prescribed and supervised by a medical professional. By following preventive measures and your specialist’s instructions, you can defeat scabies and restore your skin’s health.
*The information contained in this article is not for diagnostic purposes and in no case replaces medical advice. We remind you that in case of disorders and/or diseases, it is always necessary to consult your general practitioner or specialist.
Ig – @fairness_mag
