If You Have These Tiny Red Dots On Your Arm, Do Not Ignore The Warning SignsOctober 28, 2024
In the United Kingdom, medical professionals are advising patients not to disregard the “tiny red dots” that may form on their hands and to steer clear of other people while they are seeking treatment if they do appear.
A concerning new health threat has emerged, with cases of a troubling illness doubling in recent weeks. This condition is leaving many sufferers grappling with severe symptoms, including debilitating headaches, aching legs, and relentless diarrhea.
This latest warning marks a new chapter in the wave of health alerts being issued across the United Kingdom.
So, what are British medical professionals urging their patients to be aware of?
The culprit behind this uptick in illness is scabies, a highly contagious condition, and experts are sounding the alarm about its rapid spread throughout the country.
Outbreaks of scabies are currently spreading across northern England, with medical professionals reporting a significant rise in cases. While scabies is not typically a severe condition, it can be incredibly uncomfortable, causing intense itching and distress, as noted by Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
If left untreated, scabies can spread and lead to complications such as secondary skin infections or worsen existing skin conditions.
But what exactly is scabies, and how can you identify it?
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow beneath the skin’s surface. Once they tunnel through the layers of skin, they lay eggs that can be seen with the naked eye, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
Scabies is primarily spread through direct personal contact, making individuals who engage in close interactions, such as those in schools or social settings, more vulnerable. The condition causes rashes from the mites’ burrowing, which can spread across the body. One of the telltale signs of scabies is intense itching, especially at night, along with the appearance of rashes and spots.
A student at a local school shared with the BBC that she first noticed “little red dots” on her hands and wrists, a common symptom of the condition.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
Scabies thrives in environments with frequent social contact, such as schools or among young adults. The disease is also more common among individuals who have multiple sexual partners. However, it can also be transmitted through sharing clothing or bedding.
If you suspect you have scabies, it’s crucial to wash all your clothing and bedding in hot water—at a temperature of 60°C (140°F)—to help prevent further spread of the mites.
If it’s not possible to wash your clothing and bedding at a high temperature, Professor Hawthorne suggests sealing them in a bag for three days to ensure all mites are eliminated.
“Don’t hide away if you have scabies,” she advises.
Professor Hawthorne urges anyone who suspects they might have scabies to seek medical attention promptly. While scabies can carry a “social stigma,” it’s essential for those affected to not shy away from seeking the help they need.
There are effective creams and lotions available to ease the discomfort, but the experience of dealing with scabies can still be very unpleasant. If left untreated, the bites can worsen and lead to more serious infections.
“We understand that patients may hesitate to seek treatment because of the social stigma associated with scabies,” Professor Hawthorne explains. “But it’s important to address the condition before it escalates.”
“However, it is crucial that individuals do not ignore their symptoms,” Professor Hawthorne emphasized. “Failing to address scabies can lead to more severe symptoms and increases the risk of spreading the condition to others.”
