There are symptoms to watch for as anyone suffering is urged to get treatment as soon as possible
People across the UK could be at risk from a disease that surged 100 years ago, thanks to students heading to university. Scabies surge in the UK in 1914 and again in 1939 – and dermatologists have warned of recent increases in cases.
Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, University of Southampton, told The Conversation the UK was seeing unusually large outbreaks of the disease, and a lack of treatment was to blame. He said: “In the UK, scabies is typically treated using permethrin, a skin cream that needs to be rubbed over all of the infected person’s body to kill all the mites and eggs. A second line of treatment is malathion, also a skin lotion. They are typically effective if applied properly. Two applications of the lotion, seven days apart, are usually recommended. Itching may take up to a month to completely subside after treatment.”
He added: “Since September 2023, there’s been a shortage of both permethrin and malathion in the UK due to supply issues. While scabies is curable, without treatment mites can continue to lay eggs and reproduce. This means any infected patients can continue to transmit the mites to other people. It remains to be seen whether these supply issues have been resolved.”
Dr Tess McPherson, British Association of Dermatologists said: “While we don’t know for certain what is driving the number of cases up, this has been something we have been seeing for the last few years. Factors in the ongoing infestations seem to be delays in diagnosis, delays in beginning treatment, and not using treatments to full effect, which can lead to reinfection.”
Experts have warned that there could be a surge now, thanks to students.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “Freshers’ week is an exciting time for new university students, offering opportunities to meet and mingle with other students. However, with thousands of students attending events in close contact with one another, it can often lead to the increased spread of certain illnesses.”
He added: “Scabies are tiny mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching sensations. This condition can also spread fairly quickly during freshers’ week as it’s passed through skin-to-skin contact.
“This means even brushing past an infected individual in a nightclub or on campus could lead to illness. Symptoms of scabies include: rashes, tiny spots or burrow marks and severe itching that can get worse at nighttime. Thankfully, there is a range of available treatments for scabies, such as Permethrin 5% Cream, which can effectively relieve itching and eliminate scabies mites.”
He added: “Overall, as students flock to social events and get to know their new classmates, it’s essential that they’re aware of the most common illnesses that spread during freshers’ week. Generally, maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding infected individuals and remaining at home if you feel ill are some of the most effective ways to minimise the risk of common illnesses during this time of year.”
Dr Grant has also warned of other illnesses that could surge in the weeks ahead, thanks to the start of the academic year.
Colds & Flus (Freshers’ Flu)
“The most well-known illnesses that spread during freshers’ week are colds and flus, often dubbed ‘freshers’ flu’ for how prevalent it is at this time of year. The combination of packed nightclubs and indoor lectures can heighten the risk, while increased alcohol consumption and poor sleep can often impact immune systems, making people more susceptible to these illnesses. Common symptoms include: sore throats, congestion, coughing, fatigue and headaches. To limit the risk, people should practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands. People should also avoid any sick individuals wherever possible to minimise the spread.
Norovirus
“The close contact between university students during freshers’ week can also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bugs such as norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’. Like colds and flu, the high density of students can rapidly increase the spread of norovirus and symptoms to look out for include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. It can also increase dehydration, something that increased alcohol consumption during freshers’ week can also contribute towards. Treatments such as Dioralyte Sachets are useful for restoring hydration and are available over the counter.
Glandular Fever
“Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), glandular fever is spread through saliva and can peak during freshers’ season. Kissing and sharing cigarettes, vapes, or drinks can increase the spread of this illness, which can last for a couple of weeks to months in extreme cases. Symptoms of glandular fever include extreme tiredness, sore throat, swollen glands, and fever, which impact students’ ability to attend lectures or social events. To minimise the risk, avoid sharing items with others and maintain good hygiene practices throughout freshers’ week and beyond.
Coronavirus (COVID)
“While it may have been a few years since the pandemic, the risk of coronavirus (COVID) remains, especially during increased social activity such as freshers’ week. With new strains popping up all the time, people should maintain good hygiene practices and stay away from social events if they feel sick. Common symptoms of COVID include loss of taste/smell, coughing, fevers and fatigue. It’s particularly dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, so taking caution around freshers’ week is essential for maintaining long-term well-being.
Strep Throat
“Strep throat is another common illness to be aware of during freshers’ season. It’s generally not dangerous and can be treated with antibiotics, but the close proximity of students in halls or nightclub events can lead to rapid spread. Symptoms of strep throat include painful swallowing, fever and inflamed tonsils. It’s passed through droplets when we cough, talk or share items such as knives and forks. To limit the spread, anyone experiencing strep throat should remain at home until they return to full health.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
“Finally, the combination of increased alcohol consumption and meeting new people can increase the chances of unprotected sex during freshers’ week. However, this comes with its own set of risks, increasing the chances of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with the most common ones being chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and syphilis. To avoid these, it’s simple: always wear protection when engaging in sexual intercourse. I also recommend getting tested periodically, as some STIs, such as chlamydia, can be largely symptomless.
