Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite that causes severe itching and rashes. Although treatment for scabies requires a specialist. Some home remedies can also help reduce itching and discomfort. For example, tea tree oil, neem oil. And clove oil is one of the natural ingredients that many people find to be helpful. However, it is important to consult a doctor. before using these natural remedies for scabies there is no scientific or medical evidence for some remedies.
What are scabies?
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the skin and causes intense itching. The itching is worse at night, causing people to scratch.
Scabies is contagious and spreads easily from one person to another. It can spread quickly, especially among family members. In childcare settings, schools, nursing homes, or prisons.
Health care providers often recommend treating the entire family. to prevent the spread from one person to another.
Symptoms of scabies
The main symptoms of scabies are:
- Intense itching that is usually worse at night
- Also, small blisters or bumps on the skin and
- Thin, wavy tunnels that are made by mites.
Scabies is usually more common in skin folds. But can also occur on other parts of the body. In adults and older children, scabies is commonly found in:
- Between fingers and toes
- In the armpits
- Around the waist
- Inside the wrists
- Around the breasts
- Around the belly button
- Around the genitals
- In the groin area
- Inside the elbows
- On the soles of the feet
- On the chest
- On the buttocks
In infants and young children, scabies is commonly found in:
- Toes
- Face, scalp, and neck
- Palms of the hands
- On the soles of the feet
If you have had scabies before, symptoms may start to appear within a few days of exposure. But if you have never had scabies. It may take up to six weeks for symptoms to appear. However, you can spread scabies even if you have no symptoms.
12 Natural Remedies for Scabies
Many people rely on natural remedies for scabies to prevent scabies. Because these home remedies are quite effective. However, remedies should be taken after consulting a doctor.
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can be effective in reducing itching and healing skin rashes. It works on the top layer of the skin. But may not have much effect on eggs buried deep in the skin. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil. to a squirt bottle and spray it on the bed.
A 2022 research review suggests that tea tree oil may be a promising treatment option for scabies. especially when common treatments are not effective. Although tea tree oil has been shown to be effective in the laboratory. And in some people, more large studies are needed.
The properties of tea tree oil are:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Able to kill mites
- Relieves itching
However, some people may be allergic to tea tree oil.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel can be a soothing and healing natural remedy for scabies. for sunburnt skin or scabies. It helps reduce itching and heal rashes.
A 2009 study found that aloe vera gel can treat natural remedies for scabies as successfully as a popular treatment called benzyl benzoate. And no side effects were observed. However, this study was only conducted on 16 people. So larger studies are needed.
If you use aloe vera gel, make sure it is pure and free of additives.
3. Neem oil
Neem oil can be a natural remedies for scabies. and a natural alternative treatment. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Neem oil, when used at a concentration of 20% to 60%, may help weaken the exoskeleton of scabies mites.
A 2021 study found that neem used on pigs for 6 weeks cleared scabies infections. It works faster than conventional treatments. However, more research is needed on humans and in larger trials.
4. Clove oil
Clove oil has antimicrobial, anaesthetic, and antioxidant properties. that are helpful in treating natural remedies for scabies. It can also act as an effective insecticide for problems like scabies. A 2022 study found that clove oil is able to kill scabies and other mites. It has also been tested on pigs.
Clove oil contains a component called eugenol, which is able to damage the exoskeleton (outer structure) and intestines of scabies mites. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in the human body.
Before using it, it should be tested carefully. as some people may have skin reactions.
5. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a component called capsaicin. which can help reduce itching and relieve pain when applied to the skin. Some people believe that it is also able to kill scabies mites. but there is no scientific evidence in this regard. Capsaicin sensitises neurons in the skin, which helps reduce pain.
However, a patch test should be done before using cayenne pepper, as many people may experience skin reactions.
6. Zinc
This natural remedies for scabies is not used directly for treatment. But it can help fight infection. If scabies has caused a scratch or wound on the skin, zinc can help heal it.
It can help prevent secondary infections. such as bacterial infections from skin wounds. However, you should consult a healthcare provider before using zinc. This is because it can only help indirectly but is not able to eliminate the mites that cause scabies.
7. Turmeric
There is very little evidence that turmeric is directly effective in treating scabies. Some people claim that it can help relieve itching and skin rashes. but scientific evidence about its effectiveness is very limited. It may help temporarily relieve symptoms but will not help get rid of the scabies infection or mites.
Therefore, it should not be used as the only method for treating scabies. but can be used in combination with other treatment methods.
8. Borax
Borax, or sodium borate, is a popular household cleaning ingredient that is used in laundry. Some people claim that it can help eliminate scabies mites. while many believe that it is not safe. It should not be used directly on the skin. It can be harmful for the skin.
It is best to use borax in the process of washing your laundry. so that it can help kill the mites hidden in the clothes. This natural remedy for scabies is safer than using it directly on the skin.
9. Wash clothes in hot water
If you or someone in your family is infected with scabies. It is important to properly wash their clothes, bedding, and other textiles. Although it is not a direct treatment for the infection. Washing clothes in hot water can help remove scabies mites.
This method is helpful in removing mites from the fabric. And can help prevent the spread of the infection to others. Also, make sure to dry the clothes thoroughly after washing. so that no mites are left alive.
10. Apple cider vinegar
Many people believe that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be effective in treating scabies. While it can help reduce inflammation and soothe itching on the skin. There is no scientific evidence that it kills scabies mites.
Therefore, it should not be relied on as the only way to treat it as a natural remedies for scabies. However, apple cider vinegar can help maintain skin health and relieve some symptoms.
11. Bleach
Bleach is a powerful chemical and can kill scabies mites. but it should be used with caution. Bleach is a very strong chemical, so it should never be applied directly to the skin.
If you do use bleach, it must be diluted and used with extreme caution. It can be very harmful to the skin, eyes, and lungs. and should not come into contact with the skin.
12. vacuuming
Vacuuming is not a direct treatment for scabies. but rather a supportive measure. When a person is infested with scabies, the mites can spread throughout the home.
Vacuuming, especially floors, carpets, and furniture, can help absorb the mites. And prevent them from spreading to other parts of the home.
However, it is important to note that vacuuming is not a cure for scabies alone. but should be used in conjunction with other treatments.
When do you need to see a doctor for scabies?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of scabies. Many skin conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema, can also cause itchy skin and small rashes. Your healthcare provider can find the exact cause of your symptoms.
so you can get the right treatment. Antihistamines or over-the-counter lotions can reduce itching. But they will not get rid of the mites or their eggs.
Other reasons a person should see a doctor include:
- A rash of unknown origin develops.
- Scabies-specific symptoms are noticed.
- Contact with someone who has scabies occurs.
- The rash lasts for more than a week for an unknown reason.
Natural remedies for scabies can help provide some relief from its symptoms. but scabies symptoms can persist for up to four weeks after the mites are killed.
Tea tree oil, neem oil, cayenne pepper, aloe vera. Other natural ingredients can help reduce the intense itching of scabies. And reduce the risk of infection. Many types 0f natural remedis you can learn best some natural remedis books.
Scabies is highly contagious and sometimes has no symptoms. To prevent recurring infestations, wash clothes and bedding in hot water. vacuum furniture and floors, and treat everyone in the household.
FAQ
Is hot water good for scabies?
Yes, hot water is good for scabies. Because it kills the mites and their eggs.
Is sunlight good for scabies?
Sunlight can be helpful in killing scabies mites on clothing, but it is not effective in eliminating scabies mites on the skin.
What is the tablet for scabies?
Ivermectin is a tablet that helps to eliminate a parasitic skin infection called scabies. It is usually used when lotions do not work. Or in people who have crusted scabies or a weak immune system.
What is the main cause of scabies?
Scabies is a disease caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and cause scabies. These mites are called Sarcoptes scabiei var.
How can I test myself for scabies?
You can easily check for scabies at home by doing an ink test. In this test, ink is applied to the suspected area of the skin and the excess ink is removed. If scabies is present, a wavy ink line will be visible under the skin. This is a sign of the mites burrowing.
What is the fastest treatment for scabies?
The quickest treatment for scabies is a prescription cream or lotion that helps kill the mites. The most common treatments are permethrin cream and malathion lotion.
