Scabies

Scabies is a fairly common condition of the skin caused by a microscopic mite.

Mites that cause scabies burrow into the skin, producing pimple-like irritations, and severe itching.

Occasionally bacterial infections may occur following intense scratching at the site of the burrow.

The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.

Scabies can spread rapidly under crowded conditions where close body contact is frequent. Institutions such as nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and prisons are often sites of scabies outbreaks.

Scabies fact sheet, P-42089

About scabies - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention