Overview
- Surveillance indicates presentations are about 20% higher than the same week last year, with particularly elevated rates reported in northern England.
- UKHSA records show a 44% increase in scabies diagnoses at sexual health clinics between 2023 and 2024.
- Front-line clinicians report frequent presentations and ongoing outbreaks in schools, care homes, halls of residence and hostels.
- Standard permethrin treatment faces practical challenges and a 2024 review warned of escalating resistance, while earlier shortages of permethrin and malathion likely hindered control.
- NHS guidance stresses treating all household contacts at the same time and managing bedding and clothing, with an NHS‑approved oral ivermectin option available for some cases.