Healthcare professionals are documenting a significant increase in instances of scabies throughout the United Kingdom due to a severe lack of available treatments. They assert that this “nightmare” scenario presents a significant risk to the overall health and well-being of the public.
Scabies is a highly infectious disease caused by tiny organisms called mites, which leads to an uncomfortable skin irritation. It can easily spread through direct contact with the skin, and anyone is susceptible to contracting it. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent its further spread.
In the United Kingdom, there are two primary choices for treatment: permethrin and malathion. However, due to a combination of issues with the supply chain, conflicts in Ukraine, and an increase in the price of raw materials, there have been significant shortages of both options lasting for several months.
According to sources, there has been a recent increase in scabies cases, causing concern for both dermatologists and GPs who are struggling to effectively treat patients. In November, the northern region of England has experienced twice the usual number of cases.
Healthcare professionals are noting an increase in cases, raising concerns that delays in treating affected individuals are contributing to the spread of the condition.
According to dermatologists interviewed by the Guardian, the current situation has turned into a “complete disaster”, with multiple cases occurring in care facilities, retirement homes, and student housing.
According to a leading dermatologist, the nationwide monitoring of patients with scabies is extremely restricted, indicating that the issue may be more severe than anticipated.
A number of patients have become extremely desperate and have resorted to purchasing expensive alternative treatments online from sources outside of the UK.
Prof Mabs Chowdhury, the president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “The shortage of scabies treatments is something that urgently needs more attention. The public health calculation is not particularly complex – scabies spreads easily and if people aren’t treated, then it will continue to spread. Unfortunately, the consequences of treatment shortages are proving easy to ignore. There is very limited tracking of scabies cases and people are often embarrassed to talk about it.
An important issue is the spread of scabies in care facilities, dormitories, and other shared living spaces. This creates complications in treatment. If even a single individual is not fully treated, it can lead to reinfection for everyone. Due to the difficulties in providing social care and the limited availability of treatment, it is crucial for public health organizations to prepare for outbreaks in care facilities.
A study conducted by the Guardian for the British Association of Dermatologists revealed that eight out of nine regional representatives reported a rise in scabies cases in their respective areas this year. Seven out of nine also reported a lack of permethrin and malathion.
A skin doctor in the northeastern region stated that the scarcity was causing a harmful cycle. “The limited supply is likely causing a rise in the spread of infection, which then necessitates more treatment for scabies and puts a strain on the demand.”
According to Chowdhury, there is a high possibility that the number of cases will continue to rise as individuals spend more time indoors during the winter season. He also stated that the limited availability of treatments is causing significant stress for those suffering from scabies, leading some to purchase expensive treatments online.
According to Prof Kamila Hawthorne, who is the chair of the Royal College of GPs, scabies may not be a severe condition, but it can cause significant discomfort. If not treated correctly, it can spread and raise the chances of infections or worsen pre-existing conditions like eczema.
She stated that swift treatment is crucial as it can impact a patient’s overall well-being. According to her, there has been a rise in the number of scabies cases reported by general practitioners since July, exceeding the average rate over the past five years and the expected seasonal level. This increase has been particularly notable in the northern regions of England. As of the end of November, the rate of scabies was at three cases per 100,000 people, which is twice the usual seasonal average.
According to her statement, the recommended treatment for scabies is a cream or lotion that can be bought at pharmacies or prescribed by a doctor. However, there have been concerns about limited availability of the two most commonly used medications, permethrin cream and malathion lotion. This shortage is a cause of concern for general practitioners, pharmacists, and patients.
During the peak season, GPs and pharmacists are facing significant stress to care for their patients. Any temporary shortage of medication only adds to the difficulty of the situation.
According to Dr Tess McPherson, who is the president of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, it is important to clarify that having scabies does not mean a person is unclean. It is crucial to eliminate any negative connotations associated with scabies in order to encourage people to seek necessary treatment.
She mentioned that the condition could affect anyone, including her son who is a student at Cambridge University. She expressed some surprise at diagnosing her own son, but also noted that she has been seeing more cases of scabies in children and young adults.
Source: theguardian.com
