‘Alarming’ shortage of scabies drug treatments as cases of ‘nightmare’ Victorian disease surge
BRITAIN is facing an ‘alarming’ shortage of the most widely used scabies medicines, as cases of the Victorian disease surge.
Scabies is a highly contagious condition caused by mites burrowing into the skin, leaving an intensely itchy rash that can last for months.
Pharmacists have warned supplies of the two most widely used treatments for scabies in the UK, permethrin cream and malathion lotion, are running low due to increased demand.
Experts fear the shortage of treatment options could severely impact Brits’ quality of life, increasing the risk of nasty skin infections and mental health issues.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMP), told the Sun: “Pharmacies in the north and south of the country are reporting an increase in patients with scabies.
“In some areas, several elderly care homes have had scabies outbreaks, and pharmacies have been asked to supply permethrin.
“Unfortunately, the supply of permethrin and malathion is sporadic, and the supply is struggling to meet the demand.”
Scabies does not kill many people, but it is a nasty disease, and severe itching can have a major impact on sufferers’ lives.
“The insistent scratching can break the skin and, in some rare cases, lead to impetigo and staph infections,” Harley Street dermatologist Dr Firas Al-Niaim told the Sun.
“Severe itch can also affect people’s psychological well-being and keep them up at night, leading to insomnia.”
Other dermatologists who spoke to the Guardian described the situation as an “absolute nightmare”.
A dermatologist in the north-east said the shortages resulted in a vicious circle.
“The lack of availability is likely leading to increased spread of infection, which again requires further scabies treatment and increases strain on demand,” one said.
The latest surveillance data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) revealed three cases per 100,000 people in November, double the seasonal average.
In the week of November 27, 27,484 cases were recorded by 500 GP practices in England and Wales monitoring the rash.
Scabies is an unpleasant disease, and the severe itching can significantly impact quality of life.
Dr Michael Head
For comparison, just 56 cases were recorded during the same week in 2021, while 94 were logged that week in 2022.
However, the true figures are likely higher as many cases go unreported due to the stigma associated with the disease and its “subtle” symptoms, according to Dr Michael Head a Global Health expert from the University of Southampton.
He said: “Scabies is an unpleasant disease, and the severe itching can significantly impact quality of life.
“It is a stigmatised disease, so cases may not be reported.”
This is because scabies is sometimes perceived as an ‘unclean’ condition despite having nothing to do with hygiene.
“The clinical signs can also be subtle, for example, skin wounds between the fingers or in areas underneath clothing, including the groin,” he added.
Professor Mabs Chowdhury, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “Scabies is a common yet highly contagious skin condition.
“The ease with which it spread, particularly in group living facilities like care homes and university halls of residence, is alarming given the shortage of effective treatments.
“We have called on regulators, such as the MHRA and the Government, to give the necessary support to manufacturers and suppliers to ease bottlenecks in production.
“Whilst we have been advised that more supplies of permethrin and malathion are going to become available early in the new year, we must ensure that an adequate supply of effective treatments is maintained.”
In April, the Sun reported an outbreak of the critters in Norfolk.
Other outbreaks this year have been reported in Inverness, Newcastle and Cambridge.
What to do if you have scabies
While very infectious, scabies can take up to eight weeks for the most obvious sign, the rash, to appear, meaning people can transmit it unknowingly to others, the NHS says.
The rash usually spreads to the whole body, minus the head.
The condition is incurable without treatment, and people should avoid work or school until they receive medication.
A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body.
Everyone in your home needs to be treated simultaneously, even if they do not have symptoms.
Although scabies is not a sexually transmitted infection, anyone you have had sexual contact with in the past eight weeks should also be treated.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
- intense itching, especially at night
- a raised rash or spots
The spots may look red.
They are more difficult to see on dark skin, but you should be able to feel them.
A scabies rash (collection of spots) usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head.
However, older people, young children and those with a weakened immune system may develop a rash on their head and neck.
Source: NHS