Victorian-era disease resurgence in UK due to medication shortages, experts fear

Expert opinion indicates that permethrin and malathion, standard treatments for scabies, are steadily losing their presence in the UK market. This is due to unpredictable supply chain disruptions incited by the Ukrainian conflict.

The ongoing situation is a dire public health risk, predominantly in communal environments like nursing homes and universities. Here, the ease of person-to-person contact aids in rapid infection spread.

Disease occurrence spikes in winter - people tend to stay in warm, enclosed spaces, inadvertently promoting disease transmission.

Moreover, research by the British Association of Dermatologists highlights a discernible rise in regional scabies cases this year. Professor Kamila Hawthorne of the Royal College of GPs highlights an above-average increase in scabies cases universally.

Scabies are highly infectious, but the distinguishing rash can take eight to twelve weeks to appear post-infection. Interestingly, scabies do not only infect those with poor hygiene habits.

Infection can occur in public spaces such as hotels through contact with mattresses previously used by an infected person. Despite washing bed linens at high temperatures, mattresses do not perform the same hygiene maintenance.

This poses an issue as initial symptoms only surface a few weeks after initial contact, making it hard to ascertain the precise exposure incident.

Ignoring this disease is challenging - the persistent itch, worsening at night, and rash substantially lower life quality.

The treatment involves applying a specific cream or balm to the entire body overnight, needing a repetition after one week. Anyone who shares living quarters or has had extended close physical contact with the infected person should also undergo this treatment.

To avoid a resurgence of the disease (it can remain active on clothing for several days), washing bedding, towels, and clothing at high temperatures is essential. Consider also deep cleaning any upholstered furniture.

Rising health threats necessitate increased disease awareness and early detection to prevent further spread of the infection and mitigate its effects. It is important to remember that scabies will not resolve without intervention - treatment is necessary.