Scabies can be obtained when touching another person's skin. The itch mites may be under your fingernails and can also be obtained by touching household furniture like keyboards, toilets, towels and bedding.
Scabies is caused by a mite named Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite is attracted to the warmth of the human body. The female mite will actually burrow into the skin and lay eggs causing itching and a rash. Scabies is very contagious and can be passed along by close contact with someone who is infected with the mites.
Scabies are the result of chigger bites. Chiggers are normally found in high weeds. The chiggers burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. This causes intense itching.