Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin to live and lay eggs. It is highly contagious and spreads through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact. The primary symptom is intense itching, especially at night, accompanied by a rash that appears as tiny red spots, pimple-like bumps, and small raised lines where the mites have burrowed. Commonly affected areas include the skin folds of the wrists, elbows, knees, armpits, and genitals. In infants, the rash often appears on the palms and soles. Scratching can lead to sores and secondary infections. Crusted scabies is a more severe form that can develop in older people or those with weakened immune systems.