"Sarcoptes" is a genus of skin parasites, and part of the larger family of mites collectively known as "scab mites". They are also related to the scab mite "Psoroptes", also a mite that infests the skin of domestic animals. Sarcoptic mange affects domestic animals and similar infestations in domestic fowls cause the disease known as "scaly leg". The effects of "S. scabiei" are the most well-known, causing "scabies", or "the itch". The adult female mite, having been fertilized, burrows into the skin (usually at the hands or wrists, but other parts of the body may also be affected), and lays its eggs.