ALERT: Warning issued in Ireland after spike in scabies cases with nasty symptoms

Doctors have issued a warning over a rise in scabies outbreaks across Ireland, with a shortage of some treatments contributing to a rise in cases.

Scabies is a very common itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite that gets under the skin and lays eggs. It usually presents with itching, which can affect the whole body and can be worse at nighttime. An associated rash can be present in affected areas of skin and in particular, it may be seen in skin folds, for example between fingers and toes.

According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) there were 27 reported scabies outbreaks in 2023, compared to just 9 in 2022.

Most were reported in congregate settings, including 10 in nursing homes and 8 in residential institutions, while four outbreaks occurred in private households.

Scabies can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual contact. Once infected, it can take 3 to 6 weeks for symptoms to occur and can spread to others during this time.

Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does require correct management to cure and prevent further spread. If you think you have scabies, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist. They can provide you with skin creams and information around additional measures required to treat and clear the infection.

Check if you have scabies

The symptoms of scabies are:

• intense itching, especially at night
• a raised rash or spots

The rash or spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.

The rash can appear anywhere, but it often starts between the fingers.

It can take up to 8 weeks after the mites get under your skin for the scabies rash to appear.

It usually spreads across the whole body, but not the head.

You may develop a rash on your head and neck if you:

• are an older person
• are a very young child
• have a weakened immune system

Treatment for scabies

• If you think you have scabies, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist and follow the treatment and management recommendations promptly.
• If you have scabies, it is possible that other household members and sexual contacts may also have it, even if they do not have symptoms. It is therefore important that all close personal household members and sexual contacts are informed and follow the same treatment and management recommendations that you have been advised at the same time, in order to successfully manage the infection and prevent re-infection or further spread.
• Scabies is usually treated with creams applied directly to the skin in addition to other measures. To ensure successful treatment it is essential that you apply the prescribed cream correctly following the manufacturer’s instructions and leave it on for the recommended duration of time. A second application is required one week later to complete the treatment.

How to stop scabies spreading

Anyone can get scabies. It has nothing to do with poor hygiene. You cannot get scabies from pets.

People who live or work closely together in nurseries or nursing homes are more at risk.

• wash all bedding and clothing on the first day of treatment - 50 degrees Celsius will kill the mites
• put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die
• stop babies and children sucking treatment from their hands by putting socks or mittens on them
• do not have sex or close physical contact with anyone until you have finished the full course of treatment
• do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone who has scabies

If you think you have scabies, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist and follow the treatment. For more information, visit hse.ie/conditions/scabies/.