5 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Scabies

Scabies is a very uncomfortable, contagious skin condition commonly seen in children, young adults, and the elderly. It can spread quickly among people in crowded conditions that allow direct contact with each other, such as in child care centers, nursing homes, classrooms, and prisons.

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies mites are barely visible to the naked eye. Each mite is less than half a millimeter long, and the mites may look like tiny black dots on the skin. Mites can survive for several months, living, feeding, and reproducing on the outer layers of human skin cells.

These microscopic parasites burrow into the epidermis and lay eggs inside the skin. This breach in the protective layer of the skin triggers the immune system and initiates the release of a chemical called histamine to combat the invading mites. This chemical, in turn, brings about intense itching at the affected sites and subsequent development of a red rash.

# Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol that helps kill the parasite that causes scabies. Also, the anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing qualities of tea tree oil help treat scabies.

- Dilute pure tea tree oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Add 3 to 5 drops of pure tea tree oil in ½ ounce to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Apply this from head to toe twice a day for 7 days. Stop the application if irritation occurs.
- Alternatively, add 10 to 12 drops of pure tea tree oil to a bathtub of lukewarm water. Take a bath in this water twice daily for a few weeks.

# Neem Oil

Neem oil is a botanical pesticide used to treat many skin problems including scabies. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help eliminate bacteria and fungus trapped in the skin. The smell of neem oil prevents scabies from reproducing, which can greatly shorten the duration of the problem.

- Add ½ ounce of pure organic neem oil to 8 ounces of organic jojoba oil. Apply the oil mixture on the affected areas of skin once or twice daily.
- Make an antiseptic cream by combining 2 ounces of neem oil with an equal amount of freshly ground turmeric powder. Apply the cream on the affected area two or three times a day. This homemade cream helps soothe itching and speeds up the healing process.

# Neem Leaves

Neem leaves can also be used to cure scabies due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Neem leaves help reduce itching and can clear the mites within only a few days.

An animal study was conducted in order to highlight the efficacy of neem as a credible healing agent for scabies. A total of 814 subjects were administered a remedial paste made of neem and turmeric for the treatment of this skin condition. An overwhelming majority (97 percent) of cases were reportedly cured within 3 to 15 days of treatment.

- Make a paste out of a handful of fresh neem leaves by crushing them using a pestle and mortar. Wash the affected area thoroughly and then apply the neem paste. Let it dry naturally and then take a bath to wash it off. Do this daily to speed up the healing process.
- Boil some neem leaves in 1 cup of water. Let it cool to room temperature. Drink 1 tablespoon of the liquid three or four times a day. Repeat this for a week or two to make sure the mites and scabies are gone completely.

# Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper will burn and kill the mites, thereby relieving the problem of scabies.

- Mix 1 cup of cayenne pepper in hot bath water.
- Soak in the bath water until the water gets cold. Be sure not to get the water in your eyes as the pepper will cause a burning sensation.
- Rinse off the cayenne pepper with cool water.

# Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties and many natural medicinal properties that can speed up the healing process of scabies, insect bites, and many other skin conditions.

- Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected skin. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this two or three times daily for a few weeks until you notice an improvement.
- Grind a handful of calendula petals along with a pinch of turmeric powder. Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix the ingredients well. Apply the paste on the affected skin and let it dry on its own. Do this twice daily for a few weeks for complete recovery.