Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Scabies Cases Rising in the UK
Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and cause itching and rashes.
In the UK, cases of scabies have been increasing, especially since the Covid pandemic.
Health experts are not sure why this is happening, but they think it might be because people are spending more time together and there are long waiting lists at the doctor's office.
The mites can spread through close contact, like hugging or sharing bedding.
Treatment usually involves a special cream that kills the mites, and it's important to wash bedding and clothes in hot water to prevent the mites from spreading.
Cases of scabies in England rose nearly 20% in January 2024 compared to the previous year.
Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, causing itchy rashes and allergic reactions.
The rise in cases is not definitively explained, but factors include increased social contact and strain on NHS services.
Scabies can be treated with permethrin cream, which needs to be reapplied after a week to kill any newly hatched mites.
Prevention involves washing bedding and clothing at high temperatures and avoiding close contact until the mites are eradicated.
- Who
- General population, with a notable increase in sexual health services
- What
- Rising cases of scabies, an itchy rash caused by microscopic mites
- When
- Significant increase in January 2024, with ongoing rise since the Covid pandemic
- Where
- Across the UK, particularly in England
- Why
- No definitive reason, but factors include increased social contact, strain on NHS GP waiting lists, and lack of guidance on treatment
- Cases in January 2024
- 900
- Increase from 2023
- 20%
- Mite Size
- 0.4mm in diameter
- Survival Outside Body
- Up to 36 hours
- Treatment
- Permethrin cream (Lyclear)
- Increase in Sexual Health Services
- 44%