A few red dots might not seem like much — especially if they’re small, scattered, and easy to dismiss as dry skin or an allergic reaction. But in the UK and other regions, doctors are sounding the alarm: those tiny spots could be an early sign of scabies , and ignoring them could put others at risk .
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei . Once these mites burrow into the skin, they trigger intense itching, rash, and discomfort — often worsening at night.
And now, the UK is facing a record rise in scabies cases , with over 3,600 hospital diagnoses reported nationwide . In some areas — particularly in the north of England — infections are spiking far beyond the five-year average.
The problem? Many people don’t realize what they’re dealing with — or avoid seeking help due to shame or stigma .
Let’s break down what scabies really is, how to spot it early, and why timely treatment is essential — for you and your community.
What Is Scabies?
Scabies isn’t just a rash. It’s an infectious skin infestation caused by tiny parasitic mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin to lay eggs.
It spreads through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact — which means it can easily pass between:
- Family members
- Roommates
- Sexual partners
- Children in daycare
- Elderly individuals in care homes
Once inside the skin, the mites cause an allergic reaction that leads to severe itching and irritation , usually appearing two to six weeks after exposure .
The Signs You Should Never Ignore
Common Symptoms:
- Intense itching , especially at night
- Small red bumps or spots (often mistaken for pimples)
- Thin, raised, grayish-white lines on the skin (burrows from the mites)
Common Locations:
- Between the fingers
- Around the wrists and elbows
- Under the arms
- Around the waist and buttocks
- In babies and immunocompromised individuals: head, neck, palms, and soles
These symptoms may resemble other skin conditions like eczema or insect bites — but there’s one key difference: the itching gets worse at night .
If you’ve been experiencing this kind of persistent nighttime itch , especially alongside a rash, it’s time to pay attention.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can get scabies, certain groups are more vulnerable:
| Group | Why They’re at Higher Risk |
|---|---|
| Young children | Close contact during play and shared bedding increases spread |
| Elderly individuals | Weakened immune systems allow mites to multiply faster |
| Immunocompromised people | Including those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment |
| People in crowded living conditions | Schools, dorms, prisons, and nursing homes see frequent outbreaks |
In high-risk populations, a more severe form called crusted scabies (also known as Norwegian scabies) can develop — where thick crusts of skin contain thousands of mites. This variant is extremely contagious , even through casual contact or contaminated objects like towels and furniture.
Why Delaying Treatment Can Make Things Worse
Scabies doesn’t go away on its own. Left untreated, the mites will continue to reproduce, and the itching and rash will worsen over time.
Even more concerning:
- You can spread scabies to others unknowingly
- The infection can lead to secondary bacterial infections like impetigo
- Scratching can damage the skin and invite staph or strep infections
Because scabies thrives in close quarters, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial — both for personal relief and public health.
How Is Scabies Diagnosed and Treated?
Thankfully, scabies is easy to diagnose and highly treatable .
Diagnosis:
- A healthcare provider will examine your skin for burrows, rash, or typical patterns of itching.
- Sometimes, a small scraping is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites.
Treatment:
- Topical permethrin cream applied from neck to toe and left overnight
- Oral medications like ivermectin , especially for crusted scabies
- All household members and close contacts should be treated simultaneously, even if asymptomatic
Additional Steps:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
- Seal unwashable items in plastic bags for at least 72 hours (mites can’t survive without human contact for long)
- Notify schools, workplaces, or care facilities if applicable
Why Doctors Are Speaking Out Now
According to Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners , scabies is being underreported and undertreated — largely due to embarrassment or fear of judgment.
“People feel ashamed because they think scabies only affects people with poor hygiene,” she said.
“But nothing could be further from the truth.”
Scabies doesn’t care about income level, cleanliness, or status. It spreads through proximity — not uncleanliness.
This social stigma is dangerous — and it’s fueling the outbreak.
The Bigger Picture: A Growing Public Health Concern
The recent surge in scabies cases has alarmed medical professionals across the UK. With rising homelessness, overcrowded housing, and increased antibiotic resistance in secondary infections, experts warn that this is no longer just a skin issue — it’s a public health concern .
Hospitals and clinics are seeing more patients than ever, and many cases are going undiagnosed until the infection has already spread.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Shame Keep You From Getting Help
If you notice small red spots and persistent itching — especially at night — don’t brush it off. Don’t Google it for days. Don’t try to hide it out of fear or embarrassment.
Instead, do what’s best for your health and the people around you: see a doctor .
Scabies is not a reflection of who you are or how clean you are. It’s a common infection that can affect anyone — and the sooner you address it, the better for everyone involved.
So if you see those red spots — don’t overlook them.
They could be more than just a rash.
They could be a warning — and a call to action.