A quiet health crisis is spreading across Britain as doctors report a dramatic increase in scabies cases. The condition, marked by telltale red dots and maddening itching, has become particularly prevalent among students and young adults.
The microscopic mites responsible for scabies create winding tracks under the skin where they lay eggs, leading to rashes that often appear first on hands and wrists. “Patients describe it like something crawling under their skin,” explains one London dermatologist. “The nighttime itching can be unbearable.”
What makes this outbreak concerning is how easily scabies spreads – through brief skin contact, shared towels, or even trying on clothes. Health officials recommend immediate treatment with prescription creams and thorough cleaning of all fabrics. “There’s unnecessary embarrassment about this,” notes Professor Hawthorne. “But delaying treatment only makes it worse and risks spreading it to others.”
