There are unusually large outbreaks of scabies in the UK, and doctors are encouraging people to seek medical treatment if they notice red spots on their bodies and not to ignore the symptoms.
An itchy rash, scabies is caused by mites that spread through close skin contact. Early treatment is crucial to stop the spread. Anyone can be affected.
Some of the most common symptoms include severe itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots.
Scabies usually causes a rash all over the body, excluding the head and neck, and often occurs between the fingers, around the wrists, waist, armpits, groin, and buttocks.
Older people, young children, and people with weakened immune systems can get scabies on the head, palms, neck, and soles of the feet. In immunocompromised individuals, a highly contagious form called crusted scabies can cause a scaly rash on the elbows, knees, hands, and feet.
According to the NHS, the number of cases of people affected by the infection and diagnosed in hospitals across the country is over 3,600.
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