Scabies
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasitic mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, where it lays eggs, leading to intense itching and skin irritation. Scabies is typically spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, but it can also be transmitted through sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has the condition.
Symptoms:
1. Intense itching, particularly at night.
2. Small, red bumps or rashes, often in the folds of the skin such as between fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, and genitals.
3. Thin, irregular burrow tracks made by the mites under the skin.
Causes:
Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It spreads through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread through infested clothing, bedding, or furniture, although this is less common.