Which skin condition is contagious and caused by a mite burrowing into the skin and causing itching?

• A. Scabies
• B. Mite Infestation
• C. Chiggers
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (A)

The condition described is scabies—the contagious skin infestation caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the skin, triggering itching. The burrows and the allergic reaction to mite proteins lead to intense itching, especially at night. It spreads mainly through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and can also spread via shared clothing or bedding. Typical signs include intense itching and small red bumps or burrow-shaped lines in areas like the finger webs, wrists, elbows, and other folds of skin. Treatment targets the mites with a prescription scabicide (such as a permethrin cream) applied to the whole body, plus cleaning of clothes and bedding and treating close contacts as directed.

The other options don’t fit as well. A vague “mite infestation” doesn’t specify that it’s a contagious burrowing infestation. Chiggers cause itching from bites rather than true burrowing under the skin, and dermatitis is skin inflammation from irritants or allergic reactions, not a mite burrowing infestation.