Community identification
Human Itch Mite
Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
- Order & Family
- Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Sarcoptidae
- Size
- Adult females are approximately 0.30 to 0.45 mm long; males are about half that size.
Natural Habitat
It lives on and within human skin, specifically burrowing into the stratum corneum (the upper layer of skin).
Diet & Feeding
They feed on dissolved human skin cells and extracellular fluid.
Behavior Patterns
The female mite burrows into the skin to lay eggs. They are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. An infestation causes a skin condition known as scabies, characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like rash.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, skin rashes, and potential secondary bacterial infections from scratching. There are no known benefits. It is highly contagious through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.