Scabies is a transmissible ectoparasite skin infection
characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus (itching)
and secondary infection. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes
scabiei. The word scabies itself is derived from the Latin word
for "scratch" (scabere). Sarcoptes scabiei is a parasitic
arthropod which burrows into human skin and causes scabies.
Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, variety
hominis, as shown by the Italian biologist Diacinto Cestoni in
the 18th century. It produces intense, itchy skin rashes when
the impregnated female tunnels into the stratum corneum of the
skin and deposits eggs in the burrow. The larvae, which hatch in
3-10 days, move about on the skin, molt into a "nymphal" stage,
and then mature into adult mites. The adult mites live 3-4 weeks
in the host's skin. The action of the mites moving within the
skin and on the skin itself produces an intense itch which may
resemble an allergic reaction in appearance. The presence of the
eggs produces a massive allergic