Which term best defines the infestation of burrowing mites on the skin?

The term that best defines the infestation of burrowing mites on the skin is scabies. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin, leading to intense itching and a rash. It is a highly contagious condition that spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact.

In contrast, ringworm refers to a fungal infection characterized by circular, red patches on the skin, and is not associated with mites. Folliculitis involves the inflammation of hair follicles, typically due to bacterial infection, and does not involve burrowing mites either. Dandruff, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the scalp and is characterized by flaking skin, but it is not related to mite infestation. This makes scabies the most accurate and relevant term for describing an infestation of burrowing mites on the skin.