Editing Scabies (section)

== Diagnosis ==
[[File:Sarcoptes scabei 2.jpg|thumb|A [[photomicrograph]] of an itch mite (''S. scabiei'')]]

Scabies may be diagnosed clinically in geographical areas where it is common when diffuse itching presents along with either a lesion in two typical spots or itchiness is present in another household member.<ref name=Clinic2009 /> The classical sign of scabies is the burrow made by a mite within the skin.<ref name=Clinic2009 /> To detect the burrow, the suspected area is rubbed with ink from a fountain pen or a topical [[tetracycline]] solution, which glows under a special light. The skin is then wiped with an alcohol pad. If the person is infected with scabies, the characteristic zigzag or S pattern of the burrow will appear across the skin; however, interpreting this test may be difficult, as the burrows are scarce and may be obscured by scratch marks.<ref name=Clinic2009 /> A definitive diagnosis is made by finding either the scabies mites or their eggs and fecal pellets.<ref name="Clinic2009" /> Searches for these signs involve either scraping a suspected area, mounting the sample in [[potassium hydroxide]] and examining it under a microscope, or using [[dermoscopy]] to examine the skin directly.<ref name=Ray2009 />

=== Differential diagnosis ===
Symptoms of early scabies infestation mirror other skin diseases, including [[dermatitis]], [[syphilis]], [[erythema multiforme]], various [[urticaria]]-related syndromes, allergic reactions, ringworm-related diseases, and other ectoparasites such as [[lice]] and [[flea]]s.<ref name=Arlian-1989>{{cite journal | vauthors = Arlian LG | title = Biology, host relations, and epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei | journal = Annual Review of Entomology | volume = 34 | issue = 1 | pages = 139–161 | year = 1989 | pmid = 2494934 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.en.34.010189.001035 }}</ref>