Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mite)

Sarcoptes scabiei is a microscopic mite (an arthropod parasite) that infests human skin, causing the condition known as *scabies*.[3][4][5] Adult female mites burrow into the stratum corneum (outer skin layer), where they feed, lay eggs, and induce a strong inflammatory and allergic response in the host, manifested by intense itching and rash. The human immune system reacts to mite antigens, excreta, and eggs, resulting in characteristic skin lesions. Severe forms such as *crusted (Norwegian) scabies* can occur in immunocompromised individuals and involve millions of mites, leading to severe disease and increased infectiousness. Scabies is a major neglected tropical disease with global distribution; effective control relies on topical or systemic scabicides, such as **ivermectin** or **permethrin**[2][3][5][6][7].

Other names

Scabies miteSarcoptes scabiei var. hominisHuman itch miteEctoparasite of humansParasite

Drugs act as scabicides—*paralysis or death of the mite via modulation of ion channels (ivermectin), or disruption of nerve cell membrane function (permethrin)*