Experts explain who is most likely to get 'tiny red dots' you shouldn't ignore on skin as infections spike in UK
Brits have been warned to be wary if they spot any 'tiny red dots' on their skin amid a spike in scabies cases in the UK.
Doctors are urging people not to ignore the symptoms of the highly infectious condition, which the NHS says 'anyone can get' - however, there are some people who are even more at risk than others.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, the chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, explained that scores of cases are being recorded and diagnoses are 'above the five-year average and rising', especially in the north of England.
"While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating," she said. "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."
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What are scabies?
For those who don't know, scabies is an infectious disease caused by mites burrowing under your skin - causing an extremely itchy rash which can spread across your entire body.
According to the NHS, you should look out for a raised rash or spots which may appear to be red, while you may also experience intense itching, especially at night.
One university student told the BBC that he had started to get 'tiny red dots' around his wrists and hands - and if you spot the same thing on your skin, then you need to take action.
Professor Hawthorne told people not to be put off from seeking treatment due to the 'social stigma' surrounding scabies, as brushing off the symptoms could lead to the condition 'getting worse' while also putting other people in the firing line for contracting it too.
Although it is not typically a cause for serious concern, it still needs to be dealt with and as we mentioned, all of us need to be on guard - but there are a few certain people who need to be even more vigilant.
Who is more likely to be affected?
Experts at Cleveland Clinic said that some are more susceptible to picking up the skin condition due to the environments they find themselves in.
For starters, those who live in crowded conditions are likely to pick them up due to being in such close proximity to other people.
Infants, children and young adults - and therefore those who care for them, including the likes of teachers and parents - are also an easy target for the mites due to constantly mixing with others.
The same goes for the elderly, especially those who are living in nursing homes, which therefore means that healthcare workers can easily pick scabies up too.
It can also be caught if you have multiple sexual partners, given how close for comfort two lovers get.
Sharing bedding is also an easy way to catch it and the same also goes for clothes.
Those with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting scabies too, with the NHS explaining that they can sometimes get a 'rare and very contagious type' of the skin disease, called crusted scabies.
This typically causes a crusted, flaky rash which often appears on the elbows, knees, hands and feet.
So, make sure you are keeping an eye out for those 'tiny red dots' people.
Olivia Burke