Red Spots on Your Arms? Don’t Ignore Them – They Might Be Warning Signs of Scabies

A surge in scabies cases across the UK has prompted health professionals to urge the public not to dismiss small red spots or rashes—especially if accompanied by persistent itching. What may seem like a minor skin irritation could actually be an early sign of this highly contagious condition.

What Is Scabies?

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, triggering intense itching and a rash. The condition spreads easily through close physical contact, including within families and shared living spaces.

Though it isn’t life-threatening, early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing its spread and avoiding further complications.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Severe itching, often worse at night
Red bumps or spots, which may appear raised
Thin, wavy lines on the skin (burrow marks)
A rash that typically affects:
- Between the fingers
- Around wrists and elbows
- Under the arms
- Waistline and groin area
- Buttocks

In young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems, scabies may also appear on:

The scalp and neck
Palms of the hands
Soles of the feet

A more severe form, crusted scabies (also known as Norwegian scabies), can develop in immunocompromised individuals. It causes thick, flaky crusts of skin, especially around the elbows, knees, hands, and feet, and is extremely contagious.

Alarming Rise in Cases Across the UK

Recent NHS data shows over 3,600 confirmed hospital diagnoses of scabies across the country. According to Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), the number of general practice cases is now above the five-year average, with the North of England seeing a particularly sharp increase.