What Are the Best Ways to Treat Scabies at Home?

What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Scabies is a parasitic infection that causes red and irritated skin, blistering, and extreme itchiness that becomes worse at nighttime. What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? There could also be tiny bites or bumps on the skin, tracks where the mites have burrowed, as well as sores from scratching. What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Some people swear by home remedies for scabies, but it is always best to check with the doctor before trying them out.

Here are some of the common home remedies for treating scabies.

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a recognized essential oil that could help lessen some of the itchiness associated with scabies. However, note that tea tree oil has not been found to be effective against the eggs that the mites have buried deep within the skin.

Some people are allergic to tea tree oil, so it is important that you check your allergies first before trying this home remedy.

2. Aloe vera

What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Aloe vera is very popular as a treatment for sunburn and other skin conditions. It is also generally considered safe to use with minimal side effects reported. A study once found that aloe vera is as effective as benzyl benzoate in treating scabies.

One small study has shown that aloe vera is effective in treating scabies. It was, in fact, found to be as effective as a prescription drug called benzyl benzoate. There were also no side effects noted. If you wish to use aloe vera, ensure that you get pure aloe vera gel with no additives.  

Apply the pure aloe vera gel on the affected area. Leave it on for several minutes and then wash it off with warm water. You can repeat the process two to three times a day depending on the severity of the itchiness.

3. Neem

Neem is an oil that can be found in various creams and ointments. It has analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in treating infections, burns, and other such skin problems. This is why neem is believed to be able to help in easing the symptoms of scabies. Some studies even suggest that neem can be effective in treating scabies because it kills the mites. Even neem oil can help in providing relief.

4. Clove oil

There has been a study that showed the effectiveness of clove oil in treating scabies in a group of rabbits and pigs. It is unknown whether the same effectiveness would still be apparent when the mites occur in humans. Clove oil anesthetic and antimicrobial properties that adds to its effectiveness in healing.

5. Cayenne pepper

What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, which is thought to help relieve pain and itchiness. Though studies have yet proven that cayenne pepper can be effective in treating scabies, some people still believe that it could help. Most of it stems from the effectiveness of capsaicin, which is a compound that desensitizes the skin when applied topically. This property could in turn help ease the pain and itchiness associated with scabies.

6. Turmeric

Though turmeric isn’t proven to be effective in scabies treatment, it is believed to able to help with the symptoms. It is excellent for relieving severe itching. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of turmeric to form a paste, which you can use as topical ointment over the affected area. Leave it on for a while before washing away.

Other Tips for Dealing with Scabies

What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Your body isn’t the only thing affected with scabies. You would also have to clean your home and your clothes to eliminate scabies and clear off the mites.

• The scabies mite is able to survive for up to four days outside of its human host. So you have to make sure the environment is clean in order to prevent a reinfestation.
• Wash all the bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water; the recommended temperature is around 122°F. Use a hot dryer to dry them.
• If there are items that cannot be washed, seal them in plastic bags and don’t open the bags for at least five days.

Disinfect

Use disinfectant sprays to clean hard surfaces. It is recommended that the disinfectants contain permethrin, which is an ingredient also found in prescription creams for treating scabies.

Scabies doesn’t heal overnight, and there may be persistent itchiness as the rash starts to heal. However, if it’s been a few weeks of treatment and there is still itching, consult with your physician immediately. A change in medication may be recommended.

What are the best ways to treat scabies at home? Another way to combat scabies is to build up your immune system and maintain your health. Eat as healthily as possible and incorporate more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Find time to exercise, and make sure you get enough rest to avoid exacerbating the symptoms. Taking these steps will help you get better faster.