Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common way to get scabies is through direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. However, it can also be spread by contact with items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by a person with scabies, although such spread is very uncommon unless the infested person has crusted scabies. Scratching the rash can cause skin sores, which can become infected by bacteria. Scabies can affect anyone, regardless of their race or social class. Some people are more likely to get scabies, including:

• People who live in close, crowded conditions
• Infants and children
• Mothers of young children
• Sexually active young adults
• Residents of nursing homes, assisted-living residences, and extended-care facilities
• Hospitalized patients
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, lymphoma, or leukemia, or those who have received an organ transplant

In summary, scabies is caused by a tiny burrowing mite that can be spread through direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infested person or contact with infested objects.