With people being told not to ignore itchy rashes, GPs in England are reporting a rise in scabies – a highly contagious skin infection.

This condition is caused by a mite that burrows under the skin to lay eggs and is spread through close physical contact, bedding and clothing.

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) said it could spread rapidly in places where people live together, such as universities and care homes.

However, “social stigma” prevented people from coming forward, it said.

Professor Camilla Hawthorne, chair of the RCGP, said that although incidence remained low, the number of GP diagnoses was “above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a rise in cases”.

“Although it is not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating,” she said.

“If not treated properly, it can spread and increase the patient’s risk of complications, such as secondary skin infections or worsening of an existing skin condition.”

According to NHS figures, around 3,689 cases were diagnosed in hospitals in England by April – up from 2,128 the previous year.

The BBC has heard from people at five universities across the country who have told of multiple cases arising “out of nowhere” and entire households experiencing scabies.

One student said the BBC had started spreading “little red dots” on his wrists.

He further added, “One of my housemates found out that he also had scabies at that time. Then I said, ‘Okay, I have it too’.”

Another student told us he had been trying to get rid of it for “two to three months.” When we asked how she thought she caught it she said: “Probably a lot of people sleeping together”.

Professor Hawthorne said: “We recognize that patients may be apprehensive about seeking treatment given the social stigma associated with the condition, but it is important that they do not ignore their symptoms as this could make their condition worse and “Can make the situation even more dangerous. Other people.”

Doctors say every person infected should be treated at the same time with a cream or lotion from the pharmacy.

Patients are also advised to wash their bedding and clothes at high temperatures.

Dr Alison George, a GP who works in an emergency department in the north of England, said many students come straight to A&E, but only after the illness has worsened.

“It can be really bad. It’s really difficult to treat if a large part of your body is covered with it.”