If You Have These Tiny Red Dots On Your Arm, Do Not Ignore The Warning Signs

Doctors in the UK are urging people with “tiny red dots” on their hands to seek help and not ignore them.

There’s been a 100% increase in a condition causing severe discomfort, with symptoms like headaches, body aches, and diarrhea. This warning is the latest in a series of health alerts in the country.

What are doctors concerned about?

The issue is scabies, a condition spreading across the UK, especially in northern England. Cases are rising in this region, according to health experts.

Scabies causes intense itching and discomfort, but it isn’t life-threatening, says Professor Kamila Hawthorne, leader of the Royal College of GPs.

“If untreated, it can worsen skin problems or lead to complications like secondary skin infections,” she explains.

What are the signs of scabies?

Scabies is caused by mites that dig under the skin and lay eggs, which can be seen without a microscope.

It spreads easily through close contact. The rashes caused by the mites can move to different areas of the body.

The condition is marked by intense itching, particularly at night, and rashes or spots on the skin. A university student shared with the BBC that she noticed “small red dots” on her hands and wrists.

How do you get scabies?

Scabies spreads quickly in schools and among young adults, where social interaction is high. Having multiple sexual partners also increases the risk due to close physical contact.

Sharing bedding or clothes is another common way to contract it.

What should you do if you have scabies?

Wash clothes and bedding in hot water at 60 degrees Celsius. Items that can’t be washed at this temperature should be sealed in a bag for three days to kill the mites.

“If you think you have scabies, don’t avoid seeking help,” says Professor Hawthorne.

Although there’s a stigma around the condition, people should not hesitate to get treatment. Lotions and creams are available to ease the itching. Without treatment, the bites can worsen and lead to serious infections.

Professor Hawthorne adds, “People may feel embarrassed, but ignoring symptoms can make things worse and increase the chance of spreading it to others.”