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

Doctors in the UK are issuing a strong caution regarding the appearance of "tiny red dots" on the hands, urging individuals to seek immediate treatment and, if possible, avoid close contact with others. This warning comes amidst a notable increase in cases, particularly in northern England.

What Are Doctors Warning Brits About?

The condition at the center of this warning is scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, emphasizes, "While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating. If not properly treated, it can spread and increase a patient’s risk of complications, such as secondary skin infections, or make existing skin conditions worse.”

What is Scabies and What Are the Symptoms?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites, Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrow beneath the skin's surface. These mites lay eggs, which hatch and continue the infestation cycle.

The primary symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense itching, which is often worse at night or after a hot bath/shower.

• Tiny red spots or a rash in areas where the mites have burrowed. These can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found between the fingers and toes, on wrists, elbows, armpits, around the belly button, pelvis, buttocks, ankles, and in the genital area. A university student reportedly developed "little red dots" around her hands and wrists.

• Burrow marks, which are short, wavy, silver-colored lines on the skin (1cm or less). These can sometimes have a tiny black dot at one end, visible with a magnifying glass.

How Can I Catch Scabies?

Scabies is primarily spread through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, such as sleeping with them or sexual contact. It can also be transmitted, though less commonly, by sharing clothing or bedding.

Outbreaks are common in crowded environments where close contact is frequent, such as schools, nurseries, nursing homes, and university halls. This makes schools and young adults particularly susceptible due to their high social interaction rates.

Treating Scabies and Preventing Spread

If you suspect you have scabies, it is crucial to seek medical attention from a pharmacist or GP. They can prescribe a cream or lotion (scabicide), such as permethrin or malathion, which is applied to the entire body (excluding the area around the eyes). The treatment usually needs to be repeated 7 days later to ensure all mites and newly hatched eggs are killed. Oral medication like ivermectin may also be prescribed in certain cases.

To prevent further spread and reinfection:

• Wash all bedding and clothing that has been in contact with the infected person at 60°C (140°F) or higher on the first day of treatment.

• For items that cannot be washed at high temperatures, place them in a sealed bag for at least three days (some sources recommend up to a week) to starve and kill the mites.

• Vacuum carpets and furniture, including sofas and armchairs.

• Avoid close physical contact and sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with others until the full course of treatment is completed and successful.

• Inform close contacts (household members, sexual partners, etc.) from the past two months so they can also seek treatment, even if they don't have symptoms. This is vital to break the chain of transmission.

“Don’t Hide Away If You Have Scabies”

Professor Hawthorne stresses that despite the "social stigma" associated with scabies, it is vital for affected individuals to seek the necessary medical attention. While uncomfortable, effective creams and lotions are available to ease the symptoms. Ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening conditions and the further transmission of the illness to others. Itching may persist for a few weeks after successful treatment as the body reacts to dead mites and their byproducts. If itching continues for more than 4-6 weeks post-treatment, consult your doctor.