The Sudden Rise of Scabies

In early 2026, health experts and media outlets in the UK sounded the alarm about a significant increase in scabies cases a contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin. Once considered a rare or historical affliction in high-income countries, scabies appears to be making a comeback, particularly among young people living in close quarters and in densely populated areas.

What Is Scabies?

Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. These tiny, eight-legged creatures burrow into the top layer of the skin, where the female lays eggs that hatch in a few days. The body’s immune reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their waste leads to relentless itching, rashes, and tiny burrow tracks in the skin.

Common symptoms include:

- Intense itching, especially at night.

- Tiny red bumps or rash.

- Thin, wavy lines on the skin (burrows).

- Sores from scratching that may become infected.

In adults, rash and itching typically affect the areas between the fingers, wrists, and waistline. In children or older adults, the rash can appear on the face, scalp, palms, and soles.

Why Are Cases Rising?

According to recent reports, scabies diagnoses in the UK have climbed sharply, with consultations for the condition running at roughly double the national average compared with previous years. Health data shows a 44% rise in scabies diagnoses at sexual health clinics between 2023 and 2024, while GP consultations in some regions are far above the typical seasonal norms.

Experts believe several factors may be contributing to this surge:

1. Increased Social Mixing Post-Pandemic

During COVID-19 lockdowns, social contact was limited, likely reducing the transmission of many infectious conditions, including scabies. Since restrictions eased, close contact in social settings, shared housing, and student accommodations has increased, providing more opportunities for mites to spread.

2. Crowded Living Conditions

Places where people live, work, or study closely together — such as universities, hostels, care homes, and shared flats — remain hotspots for transmission. Scabies mites spread primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and, less commonly, through shared bedding, towels, or clothing.

3. Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment

Healthcare systems “stretched thin” have led to delays in people accessing care, misdiagnoses (often as eczema or dermatitis), and incomplete treatment. Early or incorrect treatment can allow infestations to persist and spread unnoticed.

4. Stigma Around the Condition

Scabies carries a social stigma that may deter some sufferers from seeking timely treatment. Doctors warn that ignoring symptoms or waiting can mean the condition spreads within families and communities.

Treatment and Prevention

The good news is that scabies is treatable, but proper and thorough treatment is essential:

Topical creams such as permethrin are commonly prescribed and must be applied over the whole body from the neck down and left on as instructed.

Oral medication such as ivermectin may be recommended in more severe cases or where topical treatments fail.

Everyone living in the same household or who has had close contact should be treated at the same time, even if they show no symptoms.

Because mites and their eggs can survive briefly outside the body, it’s important to:

- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the days before treatment in hot water and dry on high heat.

- Seal unwashed items in bags for several days.

- Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and furniture to remove stray mites.

Returning to school or work is usually safe once treatment has started, but close physical contact with others should be avoided until the full course is complete.

Looking Ahead: Public Health Implications

The rise in scabies cases in a high-income setting like the UK highlights that infectious diseases can re-emerge when conditions for spread are ripe. While scabies rarely causes severe illness in otherwise healthy individuals, untreated infestation can lead to secondary bacterial infections and significant discomfort.

Better awareness, early diagnosis, and destigmatizing the condition are crucial steps. Health professionals emphasize that recognizing common symptoms and seeking prompt treatment, while also treating close contacts can help curb outbreaks.