Scabies cases are on the rise across the UK, particularly in England.

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites and while it is not usually a serious condition, it is "very infectious" and easily spread, according to the NHS.

Some 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England alone, in the year to April.

This was up from 2,128 cases the previous year, according to NHS figures via the BBC.

Scabies is spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It is a condition that needs to be treated "quickly" to stop it spreading.

Spike in scabies cases reported (in England)

Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, 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.

“The rate of scabies presentations in general practice is above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in scabies cases, but incidences are still infrequent.

"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."

Scabies symptoms

The symptoms of scabies, according to the NHS, include:

  • Intense itching (especially at night)
  • Raised rash or spots

Symptoms of scabies include intense itching and raised rash or spots.Symptoms of scabies include intense itching and raised rash or spots. (Image: Getty) The NHS adds: "The scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck.

"It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom.

"However, older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms and soles of their feet."

People with a weakened immune system can also get a "rare and very contagious" type of scabies, called crusted scabies.

The main symptom of this is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet.

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How does scabies spread?

Scabies can spread "easily", the NHS says.

It spreads through skin contact (including sexual contact), but you can't get scabies from pets.

"People who live or work closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes are more at risk," the health experts add.

How to treat scabies

Scabies is not usually a serious condition, according to the NHS, "but it does need to be treated".

The NHS adds: "A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It's important to read the instructions carefully."

This treatment must be repeated a week later.

"Scabies is very infectious, but it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear," the NHS continues.

"Everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms."

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Anyone you've had sexual contact with in the past eight weeks will also need to be treated.

Pharmacy treatments aren't suitable for children under two, they will instead need to see a GP.

There are also a number of things you can do during treatment to stop scabies spreading:

  • Wash all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day of treatment
  • Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days until the mites die

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How long does it take to get rid of scabies

Adults and children aged 5 years or over can go back to work or school as soon as they have started treatment. It’s important to avoid close contact with other people for the first 24 hours.

Children under 5 years old can go back to nursery or pre-school 24 hours after the first treatment.

Although the treatment kills the scabies mites quickly, the itching can carry on for a few weeks.