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The young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems can get scabies on the head, neck, palms, and soles. In immunocompromised individuals, a highly contagious form called crusted scabies may cause a flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands, and feet.
According to NHS, the number of cases of people affected by the infection who were diagnosed in hospitals around the country is over 3,600.
According to Prof Kamila Hawthorne, RCGP chairwoman, many people who experience the symptoms refuse to seek medical help because of the “social stigma” surrounding the infection. She said that the number of GP diagnoses was “above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in cases.”
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“While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating,” she said.
“If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications, such as secondary skin infections or make existing skin conditions worse.”
One of the reasons for the scabies outbreak, despite the social stigma attached to it, is the shortage of treatment.
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