Doctor warns of rise in instances of scabies round UK – signs to look out for

Scabies is a contagious pores and skin situation that if not handled promptly can unfold like wildfire, and there’s been an increase in instances across the UK, in keeping with Dr Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist at HCA The Shard, part of HCA Healthcare UK.

She mentioned: “Last month, Norfolk Council even sent out letters to schools warning people to be vigilant about symptoms.

“One theory is that the build-up of stress over the last three years has caused many people to have lowered immunity, a factor that increases susceptibility to skin conditions.”

Scabies is brought on by tiny mites that burrow into the pores and skin. The rash can have an effect on any a part of the physique, for instance the underarm space, between fingers and across the wrist, the within of the elbow, buttocks, decrease legs, knees, shoulder blades, the groin, palms, soles and sides of the ft.

Dr Laftah defined: “Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through skin to skin contact, such as holding hands, for a prolonged period of time, having sex or sharing clothing, towels and bedding with an infected person.

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“It’s unlikely to be transmitted through fleeting contact such as shaking hands or hugging.”

It can take round eight weeks for signs to seem after the preliminary an infection, mentioned Dr Laftah.

But in case you’ve had scabies earlier than, signs could seem inside one to 2 days (as your immune system can recognise the an infection).

Dr Laftah continued: “Scabies can leave small red blotches and silvery lines on the skin and scratching can cause crusty sores to develop.

“Norwegian scabies is a more severe form of scabies that tends to be more common in those with a weak immune system or in the elderly.

“If you suspect you might have scabies, your GP or pharmacist can advise you on treatment, available as lotions or creams.

“Or, for persistent symptoms, your GP may organise an appointment with a dermatologist who can prescribe an oral medication such as Ivermectin.”

Another reason behind itching is dry pores and skin (xerosis). If you’re vulnerable to dry pores and skin, usually all it takes is a change within the climate to trigger discomfort and itching.

“Cold air and humidity leads to loss of moisture from the skin,” mentioned Dr Laftah. “Central heating further exacerbates this, resulting in dry, itchy skin.

“Dry skin needs to be regularly moisturised. This means slathering on the moisturiser immediately after you’ve had a bath or shower. Water should be warm, not hot, which is too drying. Choose gentle, fragrance free products, formulated for dry skin.”

Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry pores and skin situation that may trigger intensely itchy pores and skin.

There are various kinds of eczema however the most typical is atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) which impacts one in 12 folks within the UK. Typical signs embody extremely itchy, dry, cracked, sore pores and skin. It’s normally a long-term situation the place signs could alternate between gentle and extreme.

“Eczema flares are more common during the winter months due to the low humidity, cold weather and central heating which all lead to an increase in the trans-epidermal water loss,” mentioned Dr Laftah.

“There’s no easy solution for eczema, but becoming more aware of potential triggers (e.g. metals, soaps, fragrances) can help you to manage symptoms better.

“Food allergies, intolerances and stress can also trigger outbreaks. This is where keeping a symptom diary can be useful.

“Increasing your intake of fatty acids can also be beneficial either through

Supplements (Healthspan High Strength Omega 3, £8.95 for 120 capsules (healthspan.co.uk) or diet (eg: nuts, seeds oily fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon) this helped to reduce symptoms.

“In a new study (Frontiers in Nutrition, February 2023) it was found that people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) had low levels of essential fatty acids.

“If you’ve got eczema, it’s crucial to moisturise skin regularly with an emollient cream. Always talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of atopic eczema. Treatment to manage symptoms may include emollient creams and topical steroids.”