What does scabies refer to?

Scabies is a contagious dermatological condition caused by the invasion of the human epidermis by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. It can spread and become epidemic within families and among close contacts. Clinically, it is characterized by papules, vesicles, and burrows in the tender parts of the skin, pruritic nodules in the scrotum, and intensified itching at night. Scabies is transmitted through direct contact with the human scabies mite, and can also be spread indirectly through clothing or other articles previously used by an infected individual. Adult mites reside within the stratum corneum of the human epidermis, where they excavate a tortuous tunnel parallel to the skin surface. The pathogenesis of scabies involves both humoral and cellular immune responses. The pruritus (itching) is associated with the physical and chemical irritation caused by mite activity within the skin lesions, the excretions of the mites such as feces, and the involvement of inflammatory factors and cells.