mange, contagious skin disease of domestic and wild animals. The several types of mange, including follicular and sarcoptic mange, are caused by various minute parasitic mites that burrow into skin, hair follicles, or sweat glands. This leads to chronic skin inflammation and loss of hair. Sarcoptic mange, also called scab or scabies, produces intense irritation. Treatment of infected animals consists of repeated dipping (see dip) or spraying with insecticides. Secondary bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.