How does a scabies mite look on human skin? - briefly
On the skin the parasite is a microscopic, translucent oval about 0.3 mm long, forming thin, gray‑white burrows that often end in a tiny raised papule. These tracks are most visible in interdigital spaces, wrists, and the waistline.
How does a scabies mite look on human skin? - in detail
The mite responsible for scabies is a microscopic arachnid measuring 0.2–0.4 mm in length. On the skin it is not visible to the naked eye; its presence is inferred from the characteristic tunnel it creates. The tunnel, called a burrow, appears as a thin, gray‑white or slightly erythematous line, typically 2–10 mm long. Burrows are most common on interdigital spaces of the hands, wrist folds, elbows, axillae, waistline, genitalia, and buttocks.
Key visual indicators include:
- Burrow morphology: Linear or serpentine track ending in a small vesicle or papule where the female mite resides.
- Papules: Firm, raised lesions 1–2 mm in diameter, often excoriated from scratching.
- Sero‑serous vesicles: Tiny fluid‑filled blisters that may rupture, leaving a crust.
- Secondary lesions: Eczematous patches or hyperpigmented macules resulting from chronic irritation.
Microscopic examination of skin scrapings reveals the mite’s oval body, four pairs of legs, and a ventral gnathosoma used for feeding. Female mites are larger than males, and each female deposits 1–2 eggs per day within the burrow. Eggs are oval, translucent, and measure about 0.1 mm; they hatch in 3–4 days, releasing larvae that climb to the skin surface before maturing.
The combination of burrow shape, distribution pattern, and accompanying papular lesions provides a reliable visual diagnosis, confirmed by microscopic identification of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets.