SCABIES

infection with the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabieri, which causes an intensely itchy rash due to an inflammatory hypersensitivity reaction. Female mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs; the larvae live under the skin causing the itching and rash. The rarer Norwegian scabies results in thick crusts on the skin. Scabies is highly contagious and may be transmitted by household or sexual contact. Infestation may be treated using an insecticide such as permethrin (Elimite) or lindane (Kwell).