Skin, Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation, caused in humans by scabies mite Sarcoptes scabiei variety hominis. Being extremely pruritic lesions, microscopic features are notable for excoriations with small, crusted, red papules scattered around the region. While finding the mite can be satisfying, multiple levels may be needed to identify the organism. Presence of the faeces, along with other histological features, generally suffices for the diagnosis.

Skin scrapings from lesions can be used to examine for mites, ova and/or faeces under light microscopy. KOH preparations can be used to examine for 8-legged creatures that are about 0.3 mm.