Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:36pm on 01 Jan 2024,Monday Health & Wellness
Doctors are reporting a concerning rise in scabies infections across the UK, sparking fears of a public health crisis. The highly contagious skin condition is spreading rapidly amid shortages of critical treatments permethrin and malathion. Dermatologists describe the situation as an "absolute nightmare," with outbreaks in care homes, nursing facilities, and university dorms. They warn limited tracking of scabies patients means the problem could be far worse than currently known. Without access to treatments, doctors struggle to contain the spread. Some desperate patients turn to expensive foreign imports. Experts urge authorities to address the shortages and plan for further outbreaks, especially in communal living spaces. They also aim to reduce stigma so those affected seek prompt treatment. If left unchecked, the surge in scabies poses major risks this winter.