Which condition is described as caused by an itch mite and results in persistent irritation?

The condition caused by an itch mite that results in persistent irritation is scabies. Scabies is a skin infestation that occurs when the Sarcoptes scabiei mite burrows into the skin, causing intense itching and a rash. The irritation occurs due to the body's allergic reaction to the mite, its eggs, and its waste products, leading to a cycle of scratching that can further irritate the skin.

In contrast, herpes simplex is a viral infection that manifests as sores and blisters, typically around the mouth or genitals, but is not associated with an itch mite. Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that causes itching and burning in the foot area but does not involve mites. Warts are benign growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are also unrelated to mites. Scabies is specifically linked to the infestation of mites, making it the correct answer in this context.