What is the common transmission method for scabies?

Scabies is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, which commonly occurs during sexual contact. The mite that causes scabies, Sarcoptes scabiei, burrows into the upper layer of the skin, leading to intense itching and a rash. Engaging in sexual activities often results in prolonged physical contact, making sexual transmission a significant route for spreading the infestation.

While sharing clothing can also lead to transmission, especially if the clothing is worn shortly after being in contact with an infested person, it is not the most common method. Scabies does not spread effectively through the air or by insect bites, as the mites cannot survive away from human skin for extended periods. Therefore, sexual contact stands out as the primary and most efficient means of transmission for scabies.