Scabies is a common infection affecting people of all races and social classes. An infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, the condition spreads rapidly under crowded conditions where there is frequent, prolonged skin-to-skin contact between people. Symptoms usually begin slowly, with a minor rash and itching that tends to be worse at night. In most cases, a doctor makes a scabies diagnosis by looking at the burrows or rash on the skin.

 

Click Scabies for more information about this skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites.