Scabies is a very infectious, itchy skin disorder caused by the infestation of the parasitic scabies mite. The mite lives on and in the skin, spreading through close skin-to-skin contact. The majority of symptoms from scabies comes from your immune system’s response to the mite’s saliva, their eggs, and their faeces (poo).
Scabies is common worldwide, especially in poverty and very overcrowded areas such as refugee camps.
Close skin-to-skin contact is necessary to get scabies because the mites cannot jump or fly. Prolonged contact (15-20 minutes) is necessary for scabies to spread. That means you’re unlikely to get scabies from a short handshake, or hug. However, the more mites there are, the faster they can spread to somebody else.
Symptoms of Scabies
- Itching. Often severe and in one place at first, and later spreads. Itching gets generally worse at night and after a hot bath.
- Mite tunnels. Seen on skin as fine, dark, silvery lines about 2-10 mm long. Mostly visible in loose skin between fingers, inner surface of wrist, and hands.
- Rash. The rash appears soon after the itching starts. It’s most obvious on inner thighs, abdomen, buttocks, armpits, and round the nipples in women. Some rashes may be confused for other skin conditions.
- Aggravation of pre-existing skin conditions. Scabies can worsen itchy skin problems such as eczema, or psoriasis making diagnosis more difficult.
Home Remedies for Scabies
It’s impossible to treat scabies without medication, but there are ways to improve the treatment for scabies. These remedies can help save time, energy, and money by preventing scabies from becoming more stressful than necessary.
1- Tea Tree Oil
Infamous for its skin-healing properties, tea tree has been used for ages to aid with scabies symptoms. Apply tea tree oil immediately on affected areas to relieve pain.
2- Aloe Vera
Aloe is another famous skin treater. It has many natural and unique nutrients, and improves recover from scabies. Apply aloe vera directly on affected skin. Let the aloe vera sit for 30 minutes before using warm water to it clean off. Doing that 2-3 times per day will help alleviate symptoms. If you have more time, visit here for another aloe recipe.
3- Clove Oil
Clove oil contains antibacterial properties that assist with the removal of scabies. Clove oil also helps relieve pain caused by scabies. To use, mix 1 part olive oil with 4 parts coconut oil, adding a few drops of real clove essential oils. Apply to affected areas a few times per day. Ensure you’re not adding too much clove oil to the mixture, as it can be toxic.
4- Zinc
Zinc helps improve your immune system which helps control the spread of scabies during treatment. Mix zinc powder with warm water and apply the mixture on affected areas. Repeat for a few days to see desired results.
5- Neem Oil
Farmers of past and present have used neem oil to eradicate insects, while keeping crops healthy. Neem oil is safe for humans, but effects scabies’ reproduction and lifespan. This makes neem oil a great remedy to help make scabies recovery speedy. Apply neem oil directly on the skin until you see desired results.
6- Onion
One of the most effective things to relieve pain caused by scabies are found in onions: quercetin. Onions also contain organosulfur compounds that accelerate the healing process for scabies. To reap the benefits of onions, cut the onion into small pieces and mix them with salt. Apply the mixture on affected parts of the body 2-3 times per day until desired results are reached.
7- Bush Tea
Most health-food stores carry bush tea. It contains many anti-inflammatory qualities that help with the annoying symptoms of scabies. To use, steep the bush tea leaves in boiling water, add honey if desired, and drink the tea 2-3 times per day.
8- Cayenne
Cayenne is a great remedy for scabies without any adverse side effects! Apply it directly on affected skin 2-3 times per day until desired results are reached. (Note: be careful not to touch your eyes if you put cayenne on your hands)
9 – White Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar)
Acetic acid, found in white and apple cider vinegar, is known to make skin more acidic. This acidity helps eradicate a scabies infestation. To use, mix vinegar with water and apply to affected areas. Cover areas with a bandage for 5-10 minutes. Use warm water to clean skin and remove mixture.
10- Rosemary
Rosemary helps reduce the pain caused by scabies, and stop the spread of scabies mites. To use, boil water with rosemary and let cool. Apply it directly on affected areas until desired results are reached.
11- Lavender Oil
Lavender has antiseptic and antifungal properties which make it great for skin disorders and other inflammatory conditions. To use, mix lavender oil with olive oil and apply to affected parts of the body 2-3 times per day until desired results are reached.
12- Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide
Like Neem oil, both borax and hydrogen peroxide are used to eradicate bacteria and insects, and are completely safe for humans. To use, mix them with warm water in a bath. Soak in bath for at least 15 minutes to alleviate symptoms and help remove scabies mites. This treatment is the most relaxing, easy treatment for scabies.
13- Turmeric
Turmeric helps eliminate scabies mites while stopping the body from being infected again. To use, make paste with turmeric and neem oil (or neem powder, or lemon juice), and apply directly to skin.
14- Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourd is full of B and C vitamins, along with a number of other essential nutrients. When squeezed into a juice and drunk a few times per day to help alleviate symptoms and improve your immune system. To fix the bitter taste, try adding some lemon juice.
