Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Victorian Skin Disease Linked To Intense Itching Surges In The UK: Symptoms To Look For

victorian skin disease scabies uk

A college in Devon, UK, has issued a public health notice after confirming an outbreak of a disease often tied to the Victorian era. It is not something most people come across today, yet reports show that this old skin condition is appearing more often in modern settings. Although it is usually linked with unclean surroundings, anyone can get it, no matter how carefully they maintain personal or household hygiene.

One woman described her nine-month struggle with the illness. At first she dismissed it as an allergy but soon noticed her son had developed a similar rash and persistent itching. Amanda Rushton from Accrington in Lancashire told The Daily Mail she felt as if her “skin was crawling” once she learnt what she was dealing with.

<h2>What Are <span rel="noindex">Victorian Diseases</span>?</h2>

In the UK, 'Victorian diseases' refers to illnesses that were widespread during the 19th century and are now returning due to factors such as poverty and limited access to care. These include tuberculosis, cholera, scarlet fever, and scurvy. Many of these conditions are tied to poor sanitation or nutrition. 

Tuberculosis was once known as “consumption,” and infections like <span>scabies</span> and measles have also been seen more frequently in recent years, according to the official UK government website.

Specialists have raised concerns that more parents choosing to skip routine childhood vaccinations are placing infants and other high-risk groups in danger. The illness circulating at the Devon college is scabies. 

“We have been notified of seven confirmed cases of scabies amongst our student community,” read an email from South Devon College in Paignton, reported by DevonLive. “These cases have been diagnosed by a health professional.”

Scabies is a very itchy skin infestation caused by tiny mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the upper layers of the skin to feed and lay eggs. The body reacts to this by producing a rash of small bumps and intense itching, which often becomes worse at night. The condition spreads easily through close and prolonged skin contact and can also pass indirectly through contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels, according to Mayo Clinic. 

Scabies tends to spread faster in crowded environments or shared living spaces such as child-care centres or nursing homes. Pets cannot give scabies to humans, as animals carry a different type of mite that causes mange, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Scabies Symptoms</span> To Look Out For</h2>

The most common sign of scabies is a fierce, unrelenting itch that worsens at night, along with a rash. You may also notice thin, raised, curved lines called burrows and small bumps or blisters. These usually appear in warm or folded areas of the skin, such as between the fingers and toes. Continuous scratching can break the skin, causing sores or scabs.

Intense itching: This is the leading symptom and often disturbs sleep because of how severe it becomes at night.

Rash: The rash may look like small bumps, pimples, or tiny blisters.

Burrows: These appear as narrow, winding lines created by female mites as they tunnel through the skin to lay eggs.

Sores: Scratching can result in broken skin and crusts.

<strong>Common Locations For The Rash</strong>

<ul><li>Between the fingers and toes</li><li>Wrists, elbows, and knees</li><li>The genital region</li><li>Around the breasts or nipples</li><li>The waistline and belly button</li><li>Under the fingernails or watch straps</li><li>In babies and young children, the rash may spread more widely and can show up on the face, head, and neck.</li></ul>

London saw a noticeable increase in scabies toward the end of last year, and similar spikes were reported across northern England, especially in care facilities, nursing homes, and university housing. With cases climbing, doctors are urging people to stay alert to common signs. 

Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained to Women’s Health last month that although there is no single clear cause for the rise, several factors may be contributing. He told The Independent that this period of the year allows scabies to spread more easily, with children returning to school and students moving into shared accommodation, both of which involve frequent close contact.

He added that scabies is often confused with other skin problems, especially eczema or allergic reactions.

Doctors note that the condition is usually not dangerous, but it must be treated because it passes from person to person so easily. Symptoms may take up to eight weeks to appear after the mites enter the skin. Anyone who suspects they might have scabies should speak to a pharmacist. Every person in the household needs treatment at the same time, even if they do not have visible symptoms.

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A college in Devon, UK, has issued a public health notice after confirming an outbreak of a disease often tied to the Victorian era. It is not something most people come across today, yet reports show that this old skin condition is appearing more often in modern settings. Although it is usually linked with unclean surroundings, anyone can get it, no matter how carefully they maintain personal or household hygiene.One woman described her nine-month struggle with the illness. At first she dismissed it as an allergy but soon noticed her son had developed a similar rash and persistent itching. Amanda Rushton from Accrington in Lancashire told The Daily Mail she felt as if her “skin was crawling” once she learnt what she was dealing with.What Are Victorian Diseases?In the UK, 'Victorian diseases' refers to illnesses that were widespread during the 19th century and are now returning due to factors such as poverty and limited access to care. These include tuberculosis, cholera, scarlet fever, and scurvy. Many of these conditions are tied to poor sanitation or nutrition. Tuberculosis was once known as “consumption,” and infections like scabies and measles have also been seen more frequently in recent years, according to the official UK government website.Victorian Disease Warning In UKSpecialists have raised concerns that more parents choosing to skip routine childhood vaccinations are placing infants and other high-risk groups in danger. The illness circulating at the Devon college is scabies. “We have been notified of seven confirmed cases of scabies amongst our student community,” read an email from South Devon College in Paignton, reported by DevonLive. “These cases have been diagnosed by a health professional.”What Is Scabies?Scabies is a very itchy skin infestation caused by tiny mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the upper layers of the skin to feed and lay eggs. The body reacts to this by producing a rash of small bumps and intense itching, which often becomes worse at night. The condition spreads easily through close and prolonged skin contact and can also pass indirectly through contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels, according to Mayo Clinic. Scabies tends to spread faster in crowded environments or shared living spaces such as child-care centres or nursing homes. Pets cannot give scabies to humans, as animals carry a different type of mite that causes mange, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.Scabies Symptoms To Look Out ForThe most common sign of scabies is a fierce, unrelenting itch that worsens at night, along with a rash. You may also notice thin, raised, curved lines called burrows and small bumps or blisters. These usually appear in warm or folded areas of the skin, such as between the fingers and toes. Continuous scratching can break the skin, causing sores or scabs.Scabies Common SymptomsIntense itching: This is the leading symptom and often disturbs sleep because of how severe it becomes at night.Rash: The rash may look like small bumps, pimples, or tiny blisters.Burrows: These appear as narrow, winding lines created by female mites as they tunnel through the skin to lay eggs.Sores: Scratching can result in broken skin and crusts.Common Locations For The RashBetween the fingers and toesWrists, elbows, and kneesThe genital regionAround the breasts or nipplesThe waistline and belly buttonUnder the fingernails or watch strapsIn babies and young children, the rash may spread more widely and can show up on the face, head, and neck.Scabies Cases Rising In The UKLondon saw a noticeable increase in scabies toward the end of last year, and similar spikes were reported across northern England, especially in care facilities, nursing homes, and university housing. With cases climbing, doctors are urging people to stay alert to common signs. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained to Women’s Health last month that although there is no single clear cause for the rise, several factors may be contributing. He told The Independent that this period of the year allows scabies to spread more easily, with children returning to school and students moving into shared accommodation, both of which involve frequent close contact.He added that scabies is often confused with other skin problems, especially eczema or allergic reactions.Doctors note that the condition is usually not dangerous, but it must be treated because it passes from person to person so easily. Symptoms may take up to eight weeks to appear after the mites enter the skin. Anyone who suspects they might have scabies should speak to a pharmacist. Every person in the household needs treatment at the same time, even if they do not have visible symptoms.