Some CI pharmacists report scabies medication shortage, as UK sees spike in cases

Tuesday 06 February 2024

Pharmacists in Jersey have reported an increase in islanders requesting treatment for scabies amid a shortage of treatments.

Although Jersey's Public Health Director Peter Bradley has claimed that the department has not been "informed of any difficulty in accessing medication", some islanders have reported difficulties in accessing treatment.

This comes as spikes in scabies cases have increased in the UK. The situation is as of yet unclear in Guernsey.

Professor Bradley added that formal data on scabies is not collected, but local pharmacies have reported shortages and limited supplies of medication. 

What is Scabies? 

The NHS website explains that scabies is a contagious condition caused by mites that causes an itchy rash. It is spread through close skin contact, anyone can get it, and it should be treated quickly to stop it spreading.

However, the lack of available treatment in Jersey pharmacies due to supply issues means that sufferers have experienced difficulties in getting either of the two main treatment options: permethrin or malathion.

Supply chain issues and a lack of stock...

The Guardian has reported a combination of supply chain problems in the UK, with the war in Ukraine and a rise in the cost of raw materials resulting in months-long shortages of both.

It has been confirmed that Jersey is subject to the same supply problems faced by the UK and that they have limited and intermittent stock.

Express has reached out to several local pharmacies to confirm the situation in Guernsey. The Coop chose not to comment, while questions are in with Guernsey's Chief Pharmacist. 

Stonelakes said it hasn't experienced any issues with stocking scabies medication.

In Jersey...

LV pharmacy said: “We don’t have any stock and we haven’t for a while. We can’t get hold of it.”

Roseville Pharmacy also said they did not have stock, saying: “Supply of the two different treatments has been intermittent.”

They attributed the issue to various factors such as "manufacturing problems" and "sourcing raw materials.

Little Grove pharmacy said: “More people are asking for treatment. It is difficult, but not impossible to get as we only get supplies every couple of weeks.” 

St Martin’s Pharmacy said they have been having shortages as they buy from the UK market which is also facing shortages. 

Le Quesne Pharmacies also said they had an intermittent supply, while neither of Boots pharmacies had any stock left.