The UK is experiencing unusually large scabies outbreaks and doctors urge people to seek medical treatment if they notice red dots on their body and not to ignore the symptoms.

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites that spreads through close skin contact. Early treatment is important in order to stop the spreading. Anyone can be affected by it.

Some of the common symptoms are intense itching, particularly at night, and a raised rash or spots.

Scabies typically causes a rash across the body, not including the head and neck, and often appears between fingers, around wrists, underarms, waist, groin, and bottom.

The young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems can get scabies on the head, neck, palms, and soles. In immunocompromised individuals, a highly contagious form called crusted scabies may cause a flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands, and feet.

According to Prof Kamila Hawthorne, RCGP chairwoman, many people who experience the symptoms refuse to seek medical help because of the “social stigma” surrounding the infection. She said that the number of GP diagnoses was “above the five-year average and rising, with the north of England seeing a spike in cases.”

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.”

One of the reasons for the scabies outbreak, despite the social stigma attached to it, is the shortage of treatment