Information and guidance regarding scabies

Scabies

There has been a recent increase in scabies cases across the country. Communal living arrangements such as university residences can present a heightened risk of communicable disease transmission.

Our Student Advice and Wellbeing team has provided further information on recognising the symptoms of scabies and guidance to help reduce the risk of an outbreak. 

If you do have scabies you should not come onto campus until 24 hours after you have started treatment.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites, leading to general skin irritation and discomfort. Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.

Recognising the Symptoms

Scabies can be recognised by severe itching, which often intensifies at night. The rash would include tiny red bumps, blisters and spots. The scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck. It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. These symptoms usually appear several weeks after the initial infestation. The NHS site has further information about recognising the symptoms. 

What to do if you have symptoms

Scabies is typically spread through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies. Indirect transmission can occur through sharing items like bedding, towels, and clothing.

If you notice these symptoms or suspect you might have scabies, we strongly encourage you to consult your GP (General Practitioner) as soon as possible. Your GP can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent further transmission. If your doctor recommends treatment for scabies, please inform them that you live in a hall of residence with other students and explain what facilities you share (e.g. shared bathroom and kitchen, or catered dining hall, etc.). If you are not currently registered with an NHS GP surgery, you can find out how to register with a GP surgery here.

Protecting Our Community

If you have scabies, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it spreading. Your GP will recommend measures you can take to prevent further transmission.

In keeping with our commitment to the health and safety of our entire community, if you are diagnosed with scabies, we kindly ask for you to share this information with us, via your Programme Leader. This will allow us to support you and ensure appropriate measures are taken to safeguard our community.

If you are living in halls, please inform a member of staff there.

If you are living at home or in accommodation with others, please let them know as everyone you live with will need to be treated, even if they do not have symptoms.

You should not come onto campus until 24 hours after you have started treatment.

Additional Information

For more information about scabies, its transmission, symptoms, and treatment options, please visit the NHS website.

We understand that health conditions such as this can be sensitive, so please rest assured that your privacy and well-being are our top priorities. Your proactive cooperation is crucial in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone at LJMU through the mitigation of risk to the wider community.