Learn how to get rid of and prevent scabies with home remedies like neem oil, tea-tree oil, turmeric, aloe vera and zinc. Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
Scabies symptoms appears after the 6 weeks of initial exposure. The symptoms usually develop more quickly in people who had scabies i the past. Scabies symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and by a form of eczema caused by scratching. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, child care group, school class or nursing home.
Scabies Rash and itching gets worse at night. Continuous scratching of the infected area can create sores that become infected. If this occurs, additional treatment with antibiotics for the skin infection may be indicated.
Scabies mites are tiny, and usually not directly visible. It is a parasite which burrows under the host’s skin. Scabies mites can live on your skin for up to two months. They mate on your skin’s surface, and then the females burrow into your skin and lay eggs. The burrow may be either straight or crooked, is an eighth of an inch (3mm) or more in length, and looks somewhat like a very narrow and light pencil mark.
The mites which cause scabies can be found in the genital areas. In male scabies on penis can involve intense itchiness in your genital area along with tiny, raised pimple-like bumps on and around your penis and scrotum. A scabies rash begins to appear 4 to 6 weeks from initially becoming infested with these tiny mites.
The itch mite seems to prefer the tenderest parts of the skin, such as the webs between the fingers, the inner surfaces of the armpits,forearms, thighs, legs, breasts, the buttocks, and the navel. The face and scalp areas are less commonly attacked by tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
How to get rid of Scabies naturally with Home Remedies
Scabies treatment requires specific medication, which you can get either over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. You generally apply a cream or lotion based drug all over your body from the neck down and leave it on for at least eight hours.
Scabies Treatment over the counter (OTC)
here are some scabies treatment over the counter (OTC) remedies you can get:
- Crotamiton (Eurax)
Crotamiton cream is one of the best scabies treatment over the counter. It is a fairly harmless over-the-counter cream that is safe for children and people with low immune systems. Like most scabies medications, it is applied topically. - Permethrin 5% (Elimite)
Permethrin cream is used an insecticide and insect repellent. It’s considered the treatment of choice for children and for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and is considered safe for infants as young as two months old. - Lindane Lotion
Lindane lotion is a chemical treatment that has been used both as an agricultural insecticide and as a pharmaceutical treatment for lice and scabies. Unfortunately, there are some health hazards involved and it generally only used when other scabies medications have failed.
Let’s have a look at scabies home remedies and how to get rid of scabies naturally with home remedies:
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Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)
Neem oil is widely used as botanical pesticide to treat number of skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis and scabies. It contains antiseptic and antifungal characteristics that are beneficial in eradication of bacteria and fungus trapped in the skin. The unique fragrance or smell of neem oil prevents scabies from regrowing which can greatly reduce the duration of scabies. Apply pure neem oil on affected area of skin and massage thoroughly until neem oil completely penetrates into the skin.
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Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) for Scabies
Scabies Treatment with Tea Tree Oil (TTO) is very popular for the treatment of number of skin problems because it conatins terpinen that effectively kills scabies parasite. Tea tree oil also contains volatile oils which have anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal and wound-healing qualities making tea tree oil more effective for skin problems. Mix one tablespoon each of tea tree oil and olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the affected area. Do this twice daily for two to three weeks.
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Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) for Scabies
Scabies Treatment with Turmeric is an old age home remedy having antiseptic and antiinflammatory properties. It is very useful in the treatment of scabies. Mix 1-2 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 3-4 drops of lemon juice and then add water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin and wait for about half an hour. Then thoroughly remove the paste with lukewarm water. Do this once daily until you notice significant improvement.
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Aloe Vera for Scabies treatment
Aloe vera is one the most commonly used natural remedy for number of skin problems like skin infections, dermatitis, psoriasis, and scabies. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties and many natural medicinal properties that are very useful in treatment of scabies, insect bites and many other skin conditions. Aloe vera contains high amount of sulfur which is basic element present in dermatological products. 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 two or three times daily for a few weeks until you notice improvement.
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Zinc as Scabies home remedy
Zinc is uesd as adjuvant in skin problems because it prevents the fungal outbreaks and fight off secondary skin infections. Make a fine powder of zinc by grinding zinc tablets. Now add a little amount of water in it to make a fine paste. Apply this paste on affected area of skin and leave it for at least one hour. After one hour remove the paste thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry the skin.
How to Prevent Scabies
If you got scabies, you can only prevent scabies from spreading to your genital area. However, you lucky not to have scabies, below are some useful tips on how to prevent scabies:
- Practice personal hygiene strictly.
- Having access to clean water supply limits your potential for exposure.
- Don’t share towels, bedding, or clothing with others.
- Limit your time in overcrowded areas where people are in closed spaces.
- Remove infested clothing and bedding to avoid exposure to scabies.
- Avoid sharing a bed with a person who has scabies.
- Limit sex partners or have monogamous relationship to reduce the scabies risk.
- Practice intervention at the first sign of a possible concern.