Scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is witnessing a troubling resurgence across Europe, especially in the UK, where a stark shortage of treatments amplifies concerns. 

This increase is particularly alarming as colder months drive people indoors, where the disease spreads more easily. England has seen significant spikes in scabies cases, notably in care homes and universities, far exceeding average levels. 

According to Kamila Hawthorne of the UK’s Royal College of GPs, these spikes are part of a global trend over the last decade, driven not by climate change but by a lack of treatments, failures in existing ones, and the stigma delaying medical intervention. 

The disease spreads through close physical contact, thriving in communal spaces like schools and care homes. Essential treatments like permethrin and malathion lotions are failing up to 30% of the time, partly due to mite resistance and the challenge of applying the treatment correctly over the entire body.

Supply chain disruptions worsen the UK’s situation, leading to significant shortages of necessary treatments. Experts call for better monitoring of scabies outbreaks to prevent secondary infections that can cause serious organ damage. 

The disease, often stigmatized and linked to poor living conditions, suffers from neglect in public health discussions.