Scabies is a highly contagious disease caused by tiny mites. These eight-legged mites cause itching and redness. They are extremely small, but it is possible to see them with a microscope.Scabies infestations are fairly common, and can affect anyone. Scabies is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Although it is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, other skin-to-skin transmission modes are possible. Your pets can suffer from a mite infestation, but it is not the same type that causes scabies in humans.The early signs of scabies can easily be mistaken for other conditions such as mosquito bites or acne. One of the distinguishing features is the raised lines that occur when female mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Although an infestation can occur anywhere on the body, some of the more common locations are between the fingers, on the genitals, behind the wrist, elbows, and knees, as well as around the waist and navel. In young children, the rash may be present on the face, head, neck, and palms.
