What is scabies?

Scabies is specifically an infectious disease of the skin that is caused by the burrowing activity of a female mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites dig into the upper layer of skin, leading to intense itching and a rash as the body reacts to their presence and the waste products they produce. The primary mode of transmission is through close personal contact, which makes scabies particularly prevalent in crowded conditions or among individuals with prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

Recognizing scabies as a mite infestation rather than a bacterial or fungal infection is crucial for understanding appropriate treatment and prevention strategies. Treatments typically involve topical permethrin or oral ivermectin to eliminate the mites. Scabies is not attributed to contaminated water, respiratory issues, or fungal agents, which helps clarify why the other options do not accurately represent the condition.