Scabies is caused by mites that dig under the skin, resulting in itching, rash, and blisters. Extremely uncomfortable and very contagious, this skin condition is often treated with a prescription medication called Permethrin. This topical ointment is actually an insecticide which can have some very negative side effects, so some people may prefer to use home remedies for scabies infestations.
One of the best home remedies for scabies is tea tree oil. This essential oil, extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, is known for having medicinal properties and is often used for skin problems. It is readily available in many stores that sell homeopathic remedies or online. Tea tree oil can be added to bathwater or applied directly to problem areas to kill the scabies mites.
Neem oil is considered another of the best home remedies for scabies. Also known as margosa oil, this essential oil is derived from the neem, an evergreen tree native to India and other parts of southeast Asia. Like tea tree oil, it can be added to a bath to help soothe scabies symptoms and stop the mites from breeding. It is also available in lotions and soaps.
Another home remedy that has been shown to be effective in fighting scabies is sulphur. Sulphur has been used since ancient times to treat scabies and is considered safe to use on children. Ointments or soaps containing sulphur should be used on the affected areas several times a day.
In addition to killing the mites on the body and treating the physical symptoms of scabies, it is extremely important to rid the environment of any mites that could cause re-infestation. Keeping infected skin covered by long sleeves or pants can help limit the spread of scabies. Any clothing, towels, or bedding that has been in contact with the infected person or people should be washed in hot water, dried in a dryer, and ironed. Carpeting and furniture should be vacuumed. Sinks, counters, and floors should be cleaned and disinfected, as well as showers and bathtubs that may be exposed.
Certain home remedies for scabies will not get rid of the infestation, but can be helpful in reducing the symptoms. Adding oatmeal to a bath can help soothe the skin and stop itching. Application of a cold compress may also help with the itch. Over-the-counter lice treatments may be used to kill the mites on the skin, although they will not affect the ones under the skin.
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burcidi
Post 3 |
@anamur-- That's right, mites can't stand changes in pH. That's why taking a bath with baking soda in hot water would work as well. Hot water in general is great for killing mites and relieving itching. Aloe vera is also great for itching but it won't kill the mites.
A friend of mine said that taking a bath with an all natural dish soap works really well also. I've never tried this but I think it would work as well. I've heard it being used for other kinds of skin infestations, so why not. |
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anamur
Post 2 |
@ddljohn-- I completely agree with you. I was not okay with using oils on my son to treat scabies when he picked it up from his kindergarten either. He already has really sensitive skin and it was in terrible condition due to the mites. He had little red bumps all over his arms and he wouldn't stop scratching which made it worse.
Thankfully, my mom came to my aid and told me to dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and apply it on the areas where the mites were biting every couple of hours. I did this and it really worked. The mites went away after three days of using vinegar.
I looked this up later and learned that mites require a certain pH level to survive. Apparently anything that changes the pH level will cause them to die. This is exactly what the vinegar was doing because it's acidic. And since I diluted it, it didn't bother my son at all. |
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ddljohn
Post 1 |
Clove oil also works really well for killing mites on and under the skin. I used it several times before when I stayed at my friend's house which was infested with mites.
One thing to remember about clove oil, neem oil or tea tree oil is that it can be too strong for sensitive skin. For example, I can't use tea tree oil at all because I have an allergic reaction to it. I realized this when I used an acne treatment with tea tree oil in it.
When I use clove oil, I always mix it with another oil to dilute it so that it doesn't irritate my skin. It's absolutely necessary to dilute it when using it on kids or toddlers. These oils generally get absorbed by the skin so it can be dangerous if it's too much. That's why baths are probably better because the oil is very diluted in bath water so there is less risk of skin irritation. |
