what are scabies

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the infestation of the skin by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. The microscopic mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, leading to intense itching and a pimple-like rash. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through close person-to-person contact, especially in crowded conditions. Common symptoms include itching, a pimple-like rash, and in severe cases, the development of thick crusts on the skin. Scabies is usually spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infested person and can affect people of all races and social classes. It can be treated with prescription medications to kill the mites. Crusted scabies is a severe form of the condition that can occur in people with weakened immune systems and is characterized by the presence of a large number of mites and thick crusts on the skin, making it very contagious and difficult to treat