ABSTRACT
DEFINITION AND CLINICAL FEATURES Scabies is an infestation caused by a microscopic arthropod, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The infestation is caused by the female mite, which can complete her entire life cycle on the skin of a human. After fertilization on the skin surface by a male mite, which dies subsequently, the female burrows into the stratum corneum where she imbibes serum, lays eggs, and defecates. These eggs hatch in 3-5 days. Although about 90% of the hatchlings die, enough will survive to perpetuate the infestation. The female mite, which never again leaves the burrow, herself expires in 1-2 months.
