A North East council has put out a warning about a contagious skin condition that is doing the rounds across the region, including advice on what to do and how to limit the spread. 

Newcastle Council has put together a helpful video guide on the skin disease Scabies, caused by mites burrowing into the skin and laying eggs, which causes intense itching and a rash.

According to the NHS, the UK has seen a slight increase in the number of cases of Scabies - and has issued several information campaigns in recent times. 

Newcastle Council issue warning video about Scabies spread

While there is no suggestion that Scabies figures have significantly increased in the North East, Newcastle Council has issued advice on what to do if you think you have the condition. 

On its website, the council said: "Scabies is a condition that can affect anyone at any time. It is spread through close skin contact and is not caused by poor hygiene but by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.

ScabiesScabies (Image: GETTY IMAGES) "Scabies is not usually a serious condition, with symptoms including itching and a rash, most often on the hands - but it is very infectious and requires treatment.

"Anyone who thinks they may have scabies should speak to a pharmacist."

Other advice included: 

  • not sharing bedding, clothing or towels
  • not having sex or close physical contact
  • washing all bedding and clothing at 60C or higher
  • putting clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die

When asked for more information about Scabies in the North East, Newcastle Council said that "the video was for general advice only and we do not have insight into case numbers, or any changes in trends in their number."

What has the NHS said about Scabies?

How are scabies treated?

The NHS said: "Scabies are usually treated with permethrin cream or lotion which is applied to the whole body, including the scalp and face.

"Some other treatments are only applied from the neck down. It is important to read the leaflet that comes with your treatment.

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"Pay special attention to the areas where mite tunnels (burrows) most commonly occur. That is, in between the fingers, the front of the wrists and elbows, beneath the breasts, the armpits and around the nipples in women."

How much treatment is required?

The NHS added: "Treatment is applied and left on for 8-12 hours (usually overnight) it is then washed off. This process should be repeated one week later.

"An adult needs at least 30 g of cream or 100 ml of lotion to cover the whole body. So, for two applications you will need at least 60 g of cream or 200 ml of lotion per adult."