Why Do Scabies Cases Rise In Winter?

Have you ever noticed how scabies seems to show up more in winter? It’s not your imagination - scabies in winter is a common problem with cases spiking every year during the colder months.

Why does this infection - the result of tiny, parasitic mites which burrow into the skin causing tiny bumps, a rash and intense itching – thrive when it’s cold? Well, it’s simple. When the temperature drops, we tend to spend more time indoors in close contact with others, which can make it easier for scabies mites to spread.

The mites can seem more prevalent in winter conditions, not because they like the cold (they prefer the warmth of a human body) but because the cooler weather allows them to survive longer outside of a human host. Mite eggs can live for up to ten days off the body in low temperatures, increasing the chances of transmission. As a result, winter outbreaks are common and in November 2023 doctors reported seeing double the average number of cases per 100,000 people.

So, what can you do about it? By understanding how scabies is spread and recognising the early symptoms you can get treated quickly and avoid giving it to others.

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What Causes The Rise In Winter Scabies Cases?

Scabies cases tend to surge in winter. It’s no surprise when you consider how our habits change when the nights draw in and the temperature drops. We spend more time indoors, often in close quarters with family or friends, which increases the chance of scabies mites spreading through physical contact. Crowded public indoor spaces also become more common in winter as people seek to avoid the cold, leading to closer proximity and a higher likelihood of spreading scabies.

Add to that the fact we’re often bundled up in layers of clothing which provide the perfect place for mites to survive and thrive, and a rise in scabies case is almost a given.

Winter also brings other challenges like itchy, dry skin making it hard to identify seasonal scabies. Many people mistake the early signs of scabies for other common winter skin conditions, delaying diagnosis and giving the mites more time to spread. These factors combined create the ideal condition for winter scabies outbreaks.

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Who Is Most At Risk Of Winter Scabies Outbreaks?

Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to scabies during winter due to lifestyle, location and living conditions. Children and young people are at higher risk, especially those in school or nursery where close contact is unavoidable. Women are also statistically more likely to be affected than men as studies show they make up a higher percentage of scabies cases.

Urban areas see more outbreaks due to higher population density and crowded living conditions, particularly in northern regions where colder temperatures mean more time spent indoors. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, rates were well above the five-year average in 2024, especially for those living in the north of England. People living in shared or overcrowded housing are especially vulnerable as scabies thrives in close-contact environments with several medical bodies pointing to this as a known risk factor.

How Can You Prevent Scabies In Winter?

Preventing scabies in winter starts with you being proactive and vigilant. But first off, you might ask yourself, do I have scabies at all? Signs to look out for include:

• redness or a rash
• small bumps, blisters or tiny red dots
• tell-tale small burrow-like tracks that may also look like white/silvery lines. You may be able to see a black dot at one end of the track with a magnifying glass
• intense itching, especially at night

If something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Identifying the symptoms early on can help you get treatment quickly and stop the mites spreading to others.

Winter clothes can be a hotspot for mites so keep on top of your laundry. Wash jumpers, scarves, hats and anything else close to the skin regularly in hot water (60C or higher), especially if you’ve been in crowded spaces. Avoid sharing clothing, towels or bedding to minimise risk.

If it does appear seek scabies treatment promptly and make sure everyone else in your household follows the same treatment plan at the same time, even those without symptoms. This is crucial to break the cycle and prevent reinfestation.

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Permethrin 5% cream is effective in treating scabies and lice infestations, providing quick relief from itching and irritation.

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Winter Scabies Treatment Options

Eliminating scabies in winter requires a quick and thorough approach. Topical creams like Permethrin are a popular option, applied directly to the skin to kill the mites.

To get rid of a winter infection it’s essential you treat everyone at the same time even if they don’t have symptoms – it can take two to six weeks for symptoms to appear so they could be infected and not know it.

For best results follow your treatment exactly and practice good hygiene. Wash all your bedding and clothing in hot water, don’t share towels and bedding and avoid close contact where possible until the infection is gone.

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Stay Cool And Scabies-Free This Winter

With scabies spreading much easier in winter it’s essential you stay alert. Keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms so you can nip the problem in the bud early. Regular skin checks and good hygiene can help you prevent outbreaks in the colder months while choosing the right medication and getting everyone in your home treated at the same time can make all the difference.

If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with scabies or simply need advice on the best course of action a quick consultation can provide the guidance and reassurance you need. Don’t suffer in silence, act now to stay itch-free this winter.

What's Next?

If you’re not sure whether it’s scabies or something else, a quick, discreet consultation could be just what you need to get confirmation or put your mind at rest. Our medical experts will discuss the various possible skin conditions and recommend the right treatment for your circumstances.

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