What indicates a scabies infestation?

A scabies infestation is primarily indicated by intense itching, especially at night, and the presence of thin, pencil-like lines on the skin. These lines represent the burrows created by the scabies mites as they tunnel into the upper layers of the skin. This is a distinctive characteristic of scabies, helping to differentiate it from other skin conditions.

The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the mites' feces and body parts, which leads to inflammation and discomfort. While small red bumps and crusty lesions can be associated with a variety of skin conditions, the specific combination of itching and the appearance of burrows is hallmark for scabies. Other skin manifestations may occur as a secondary result of scratching due to the intense itching, but they do not specifically point to the scabies infestation itself. Thus, the presence of pencil-mark lines alongside severe itching is the defining feature of this condition.