Microscopy

Adult females of Sarcoptes scabei mites are 300-450 µm long by 250-350 µm wide; males are smaller at 200-240 µm long by 150-200 µm wide.  Adults live in the skin and are usually found in skin scrapings.

A

A:  Sarcoptes scabei mite.

B

B:  Scabies lesions are caused by S. scabei burrowing under the skin.  A typical location is on the hands, particularly the webbing between the fingers, as shown in this image.

C

C:  Cross sectional view of the burrows created in the epithelium by S. scabei.