Scabies Is a Microscopic Parasite Known as the Human Itch Mite: Sarcoptes Scabiei

The main cause of scabies is an infestation of the skin by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live, lay eggs, and cause an allergic reaction that results in intense itching and a rash. Scabies is not caused by a bacterium, virus, or fungus, but by a microscopic, burrowing parasite known as the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). Sarcoptes scabiei (the human itch mite) is an obligate parasite that does not live or feed on chrysanthemums. However, chrysanthemum flowers are the natural source of pyrethrins, which are powerful insecticidal compounds used to make permethrin, the primary medicated cream prescribed to kill scabies mites and their eggs.