GPs warn patients not to ignore scabies symptoms

College Chair responds to regional spikes in scabies presentations.

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

“The treatment for scabies is a topical cream or lotion - the most commonly used are permethrin cream and malathion lotion - that can be purchased in pharmacies, or by prescription in general practice. All patients with the condition should wash their bedding and clothes on a high temperature and avoid physical contact with others until they have completed the full course of treatment. If symptoms persist following treatment, then a patient should contact their GP. We are aware that the symptoms can affect a patient’s quality of life so we will try our best to ensure an individual receives prompt and effective treatment.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.