Home Remedies For Scabies

Scabies is also referred to as the ‘seven-year itch’. It is a skin condition which is infectious in nature and is more common among human population than among animal population. Scabies is a result of being infected with a microscopic parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The parasite enters the uppermost layer of the skin and causes severe and intense itching.

The most common method of transmission of scabies is through direct skin-to-skin contact; the longer the duration of contact with the infected skin, the higher is the risk of getting scabies. Otherwise the parasites manifest themselves in the form of infection about a month after invading the host’s body.  A repetition of the infection is possible within a matter of 24 hours.

Scabies is seen even in animals especially the pets. However, it is not possible for a human to get infected with scabies after coming in contact with an infected animal. Scabies mites infest the human body and can survive only for a couple of days away from the body of the host.

Signs and symptoms of Scabies

The skin condition of scabies is characterized by severe itching on the surface of the skin. The skin also turns red in color and huge mosquito like bites are visible on the surface.

1. Itching is the most common symptom of scabies. The itching becomes severely intense at night while the person is sleeping. The reason is that at night the body and mind are at rest and are therefore more likely to feel the itch. However, not all adult sufferers of scabies experience severe itching.

2. Rashes caused by scabies look like burrows and are more common on the wrists, hands, elbows, back, buttocks, feet and outer skin of the visible sexual organs. The burrows are mainly a result of infection of the adult parasites in the epidermal layer of the skin.

3. The burrows or rashes are red in color due to the skin being scratched. The burrows resemble insect bites or pimples but are larger. Web of fingers and toes often display the burrows. In women the burrows are also a common occurrence on the genitalia and under the breasts.

In men and women who have never been exposed to the parasite of scabies before, the infection takes at least a month or two to manifest itself. People who have been exposed to the infection before usually start showing the signs of scabies within a few days of being infected. In very rare cases the symptoms of scabies have appeared months or years after the parasites infested the body.

Even infants are known to suffer from scabies. In infants the condition is known as Acropustulosis and is characterized by blisters on the palms and soles of the newborns.

Natural Remedies for Scabies

Treatment for scabies is successful only when the mites and their eggs have been killed and removed from the body. If the treatment does not kill the eggs then chances of re-infection are very high.

1. Scabies can be successfully treated at home using Margosa oil. Margosa oil was used widely used in ancient India to treat a variety of diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. Even today Ayurvedic Science makes extensive use of Margosa to cure various skin infections. You can easily find Margosa oil in any health store.

Use the oil undiluted. Warm the oil a little and apply it all over your body and go to sleep. The oil will successfully kill the scabies mites and also provide immense relief from itching. In the morning wash off the oil using anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Repeat application at night. Do the treatment daily for at least a week to be completely rid of mites and their eggs.

2. Tea tree oil is also used to treat scabies effectively. Much has been written about the antifungal and anti-bacterial properties of tea tree essential oil. The oil successfully kills the mites and their eggs to rid the body of scabies. Mix a little olive oil in tea tree oil and spread the mixture all over the body.

Keep for 30-45 minutes and then rinse the oil from the body using only water. Tree oil will also provide relief from scratching. Do the treatment twice a day for at least 7-10 days. Mixing tea tree essential oil with witch hazel solution will also abate the infection to a considerable extent. Application of witch hazel water will decrease the itching.

3. Application of Vitamin E oil on the affected areas will give relief from itching. Vitamin E oil blends easily into the skin and does not spoil the clothes with stain. Hence you can re-apply the oil any number of times you want to.

4. Rub ice cubes on the skin for relief from itching. Wrap four to five pieces of ice cubes in a clean hand towel and rub the affected areas with the ice cubes. The coolness of the ice will bring down the itch and also treat the redness and rashes caused by bites of the mites.

Medically, scabies is treated using Dermisil. This is an over-the-counter medicine and is very effective in treating the allergy caused by the parasites. The medicine has no side effects and treats the infection by killing the mites as well as their eggs.

There is no specific diet as such for curing scabies. However, it is generally believed that eating a well-balanced diet will boost the immune system and help the body fight effectively against the disease causing parasites. A diet of whole grains, cereals,  vegetables, fruits, nuts, carbohydrates, minerals and fiber is very helpful in warding off the infection.  Antibacterial and antifungal foods like onions, garlic, apple, flax seeds and cloves are extremely beneficial in treating the infection. These foods act from the inside of the body to fight the parasites causing the infection.

It is important to treat the entire household for scabies. If one person in the house is infected there are very strong chances that he would have passed on the infection to others as well.