Scabies come from an infestation by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis , commonly known as the human itch mite. This microscopic mite burrows into the upper layer of human skin where it lives, feeds, and lays eggs

. People typically get scabies through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who is already infested. This contact can happen during sexual activity, living together, or in crowded conditions where close body contact is frequent, such as nursing homes, prisons, or child care facilities

. Scabies can also spread through contact with infested clothing, towels, or bedding, but casual touching like handshakes or hugs usually does not transmit the mites

. The mites are human-specific and cannot be caught from pets or animals

. The infestation causes intense itching and a rash due to the body’s allergic reaction to the mites and their eggs

. In summary, scabies originate from the human itch mite and spread primarily through close, prolonged skin contact with an infected person or their belongings