Not known how many active cases of scabies on the Isle of Man

Advice issued after UK spike

It's not known how many cases of scabies there are currently on the Isle of Man.

There's been a spike in the UK.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin with a tiny mite - it's smaller than a pinhead so it's not visible with the naked eye.

They burrow and lay eggs under the skin which causes a rash and spots which can appear anywhere on the body.

The rash is caused by the body's reaction to the mite and the scratching that occurs.

It spreads through skin contact of more than five minutes, which Public Health says means children playing together are especially likely to pass it from one to the other.

Symptoms can include intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots.

Public Health says as scabies isn't a notifiable disease, it doesn't have information on all local cases.

However, it says while not usually a serious condition, it does need to be treated with creams available at the pharmacy or from your GP.

If you think you or your child has scabies, it's best to see your GP first to be sure.

As spread within households is common, it's also really important to treat all family members in the household at the same time, even if they're not showing symptoms.

You should also wash all clothes, soft slippers, towels and bed sheets of all household members at a minimum of 50 degrees on the day of the first application of the first treatment.

Adults and children aged five and over can go back to work or school as soon as they have started the treatment, although it's important to avoid close contact with other people for the first 24 hours after commencing treatment.