There’s a tiny parasite quietly spreading across the globe, causing red spots on the skin and affecting millions each year. It isn’t deadly, but it’s stubborn, contagious, and often mistaken for something else. Sarcoptes scabiei (Scabies). The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies scabies as a neglected disease affecting 200 million people yearly. Even though it’s easy to treat, far too many people suffer for long because doctors miss it. The problem can mess up your sleep and how you feel day to day.

Spot the Warning Signs

These mites are most active while you sleep, crawling and burrowing into the skin, laying eggs. Early signs include small red spots and thin, wavy lines. Look for groups of bumps that look like pimples, bug bites, or small blisters. The most common places to check are between the fingers, around the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, and private areas. In children, the rash can also appear on the face, scalp, palms, and soles of the feet. Scratching can cause sores that could get infected. Remember, scabies symptoms may not show up for 4 to 6 weeks after contact.