The RCGP has warned of ‘rising’ scabies presentations in GP practices, as the number of cases has gone up compared to the average from the last five years.
Surveillance data from the college showed that throughout this year scabies cases in England have remained consistently above the five-year average and above seasonal averages, with a noticeable rise in recent months.
The most recent data, covering the week commencing on 14 October, revealed that there were 3.1 cases per 100,000 people of all ages, while the five-year average has never risen above two cases per 100,000.
RCGP chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne warned that the rate of scabies presentations in general practice is ‘rising’, but acknowledged that ‘incidences are still infrequent’.
Scabies can be treated with a medicated cream or lotion to kill the mites, such as permethrin cream, and can require more than one course of treatment and treatment for the entire household, including those without symptoms.
Professor Hawthorne said that if symptoms persist following treatment, then a patient should contact their GP.
‘We are aware that the symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life so we will try our best to ensure an individual receives prompt and effective treatment,’ she added.
She pointed to a particular spike in the north of the country which was reported by dermatologists and the RCGP surveillance centre earlier this year.
Professor Hawthorne said that if scabies is ‘not properly treated’ it can spread and increase the risk of ‘complications such as secondary skin infections’.
She said: ‘While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating, and can be easily contracted through close physical contact.
‘If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications such as secondary skin infections or make existing skin conditions worse.
‘We recognise that patients may be apprehensive to seek treatment given the social stigma that surrounds the condition, but it is important that they don’t ignore their symptoms as this could lead to them getting worse and risks transmitting the condition to other people – particularly if they are living in close proximity to others such as on a university campus.’
Last year, the British Association of Dermatologists warned that ongoing shortages of scabies treatments were posing a ‘significant threat’ to public health.
And a report from Community Pharmacy England later said that ongoing medicines shortages were causing extra workload including for GPs who were having to provide advice about alternatives.
Yes ivermectin for scabies seems to be very popular with patients . RCGP could we please have some guidance for use of ivermectin in primary care ?