Behaviour of Sarcoptes scabiei in its burrow in hyperkeratotic scabies. A scanning electron microscopic study.

The behaviour of Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis has been studied in the skin of 2 patients with hyperkeratotic scabies. After examination under the scanning electron microscope, the skin specimens can be reprocessed for light microscopic examination. Original aspects and the dynamics of the burrowing parasite are presented, namely its penetration into the epidermis, the elimination of digestive residues and the maturation of the parasite's eggs.