Scabies crisis under the radar despite rising cases of infection across the UK

Scabies is a highly infective skin disease caused by mites which burrow under one’s skin, reproducing indefinitely if untreated. It is particularly acute in university halls and spreads via close skin-to-skin contact and sharing bedding or clothes.

Symptoms can take up to 8 weeks to appear, and the infection can be spread during this asymptomatic period, and they include rashes across the body, especially between fingers, legs and armpits, and intense itching.

The University College London Hospital Trust saw “scores” of patients diagnosed with scabies, with new figures suggesting a 66% rise in primary and secondary diagnoses over the course of last year, totalling 5,661. Meanwhile, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) reports cases 72% higher for the time of year than the average across the last five years.

However, figures may not reflect the full picture due to persistent underreporting, a problem especially pertinent in UK universities.

Although UCL-specific statistics are not available, The Cheese Grater has been made aware of numerous cases across the University from a diverse range of people over the past year.

One UCL student who suffered from scabies between March to June earlier this year said that they contracted the condition from sleeping in someone else’s bed, even though their friend, who was later diagnosed with scabies, hadn’t slept there for a while.

They added how “scabies made [their] life miserable, especially over exam season” and that “it cost [them] a hell of a lot of money to get rid of it because the strong tablets which work well aren’t available on the NHS.”

Another student told us that their entire house contracted scabies after one flatmate failed to declare their symptoms due to fears of social isolation.

They added that the financial burden of getting rid of scabies, alongside the impact of their university work, was “greatly detrimental” to their mental health.

The Cheese Grater understands that no official communications have been sent out by the Students’ Union nor UCL Accommodation regarding the growing scabies crisis, despite their duty of care to student health and wellbeing.

Both students interviewed noted they felt they received little to no support from the Union or the University in dealing with their condition.

While there is a sexual health reference page on the Union’s website, there is a lack of resources on non-sexual but highly contagious diseases, such as scabies. This is even more crucial as symptoms of the illness are often mistaken for other issues, such as allergies.

Doctors are now urging those experiencing symptoms to come forward, as many are reluctant to seek professional help due to the stigma surrounding scabies, including its association with STIs – despite not being one – and unfounded connotations of a lack of hygiene.

The Cambridge newspaper Varsity reported that laundry services at Selwyn College had to be restricted to manage the spread of the condition in early 2023. Later that year, classrooms at UAL Central St Martins had to be shut down due to a scabies outbreak.

Those displaying symptoms or believed to have been in contact with someone who has scabies should visit their GP.