Scabies, in addition to being very painful, is an extremely contagious infection. The mites that cause scabies burrow under the skin and are spread via direct contact. It’s often thought of as a sexually-transmitted disease. However, it’s much more commonly passed on via casual or accidental contact. Doctors prescribe certain lotions or oral antibiotics to treat scabies, but they can be expensive or have harmful side effects. That is why we recommend home remedies for scabies, they are much cheaper and safer to use.
Get rid of the itch with our home remedies for scabies!
1. Clove Oil
Because of the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties found in clove oil, it’s excellent for treating scabies. It also displays analgesic characteristics, meaning it can reduce redness and itching at the infection site. While it may not kill all the scabies mites, it will provide relief and help to treat the symptoms. It’s best to use this treatment in conjunction with other home remedies for scabies for a full cure.
Instructions
- Mix 4-6 drops of clove oil into 2 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil.
- Use fingertips to lightly massage oil mixture into affected areas.
- Do not wash or rub off oil.
- Repeat twice a day.
2. Lippia Multiflora
Lippia multiflora, also called bush tea, is a plant containing flavonoids, which help to heal skin quickly. It also has certain anti-microbial and anti-viral properties that make its various preparations excellent home remedies for scabies. While many people swear by drinking it as a tea, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a topical treatment was even more effective. In fact, when Lippia multiflora oil was applied to the skin, it worked faster at curing scabies than some popular prescription treatments. They found that the oil contains terpineol, a compound that is lethal to scabies mites and lice.
Instructions
- Mix 1 part Lippia multiflora oil with 4 parts petroleum jelly.
- Spread mixture on the afflicted skin.
- Repeat twice a day.
3. Aloe Vera
For scabies home remedies that treat symptoms, aloe vera is one of the most effective. The natural aloe gel reduces redness and swelling, while also providing relief for itching. It has a very moisturizing effect, which can provide relief for dry, flaky skin. It’s also a natural analgesic, so it makes skin feel cool and gives a slight numbing sensation. The same properties that make it a great treatment for sunburn help to calm the symptoms of scabies.
Instructions
- Cut a piece of an aloe leaf.
- Gently rub cut edge of the leaf over rash.
- Do not rinse off.
- Repeat twice a day.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, when diluted and applied topically, is an effective way to treat scabies at home. In addition to soothing the irritated and painful rash that comes with a scabies infestation, it also kills the mites. One study published in the Oxford Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases stated that the main chemical compound in tea tree oil killed mites. However, some species were able to develop resistance or immunity to this treatment over time. It’s highly effective as a cure, but only if used until all mites are dead. Otherwise, they can continue to breed offspring that develop immunity.
Instructions
- Mix 4-6 drops tea tree oil into 4 tbsp. shea butter or petroleum jelly.
- Spread on afflicted areas.
- Repeat twice a day.
5. Neem Oil
Long used as a natural pesticide in its native India, neem oil has also been found to act as a highly effective and natural cure for scabies. In an article published by the Journal of Current Science, neem oil was found to cure 97% of patients afflicted with scabies. They also found that it works much faster for acute cases, clearing up the infection within just 3-4 days. For chronic scabies, it can take up to two weeks to fully cure. The most effective way to use these kinds of scabies home remedies is to mix the oil with lotion. Be sure to use an unscented body lotion created for sensitive skin.
Instructions
- Mix 1 part neem oil to 4 parts unscented body lotion.
- Spread on rash areas.
- Repeat three times a day.
6. Anise Seed Oil
Using anise seed oil to treat scabies is not a new technique. In fact, the insecticidal properties of anise have been well-known for centuries. In his book, “Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects”, Philip D. Shenefelt states that the essential oils derived from anise seeds not only kill scabies mites but are anti-bacterial as well. They prevent the infection from coming back and clear all bacteria out of the infected skin. While anise is typically safe for consumption and topical application, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this scabies home remedy.
Instructions
- Mix 8 drops anise seed oil into 2 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil.
- Massage mixture into affected areas in a gentle circular motion.
- Repeat twice a day.
7. Turmeric
This brightly colored spice, a staple in cooking in many parts of the world, has a huge amount of health benefits. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, ideal as a remedy for eczema as well. It contains a ton of anti-oxidants and new research has shown that it may also be a great scabies home remedy. It helps to relieve the need to itch and reduces redness. Those with sensitive skin will want to try a test patch of skin before using this remedy. It should also not be used when skin is exposed to prolonged or very direct sunlight, as both turmeric and lemon can cause burns or skin discoloration.
Instructions
- Mix 1 tbsp. powdered turmeric with 6-8 drops fresh lemon juice.
- Stir in 1 tsp. water to make a thick paste.
- Apply directly to affected areas.
- Let sit 1 hour, then rinse off with cool water.
- Repeat once a day.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a highly useful substance with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It helps in relieving itching and burning in scabies infections. Also, it relieves the physical discomfort associated with scabies. Those with sensitive skin should stay away from home remedies for scabies featuring cayenne pepper, as it can irritate the skin further. It should also be kept well away from the eyes and any open cuts or wounds.
Instructions
- Fill your bathtub with very warm water before going to bed.
- Mix in ½ cup cayenne pepper powder.
- Soak in the tub until water is cold.
- Rinse with a cool shower.
- Do not use soap.
- Bathe as usual next morning.
- Repeat nightly.
9. Garlic
One thing that garlic has in abundance is sulfur. In addition to contributing to garlic’s strong smell, it can help improve quality of life in those suffering from scabies. Because commercially available sulfur can be caustic and smell awful, locating it in alternate sources, such as garlic, is best when using home remedies for scabies.
Instructions
- Chop 5 cloves of garlic finely.
- Stir garlic into 2 tbsp. vegetable oil.
- Let sit 15 minutes.
- Rub mixture into afflicted skin.
- Let sit 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
10. Onions
Like garlic, onions contain a fair amount of sulfur. However, they also have another compound, quercetin, which makes them one of the better home remedies for scabies. Different onions contain the compound quercetin in different volumes. For the best results, use large yellow onions. Red or white onions have smaller amounts, while shallots have almost none. Because this is a smelly home remedy, it’s recommended to use it at night and wash off in the morning.
Instructions
- Peel and quarter an onion.
- Place in blender or food processor and blend until pureed.
- Place onion puree in cloth bag or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze to release onion juice.
- Apply onion juice directly to the skin, before going to bed.
- Wash off thoroughly in the morning.
- Repeat nightly
11. Rosemary
Aside from being an integral part of most Italian recipes, rosemary has many medicinal applications. It’s a known anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal herb. It also contains rosemarinic acid, which is an anti-oxidant with anti-bacterial properties. It can kill the scabies mites, while also getting rid of the bacteria they leave behind. The anti-inflammatory aspects help clear up the rash and prevent discomfort. It can significantly decrease the effect of a scabies infection, as well as prevent future infections.
Instructions
- Fill your bathtub with very warm water.
- Mix in 15-20 drops rosemary oil.
- Soak in the tub for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off in a cool or cold shower.
- Repeat daily.
12. White Vinegar
Because it is so acidic, applying white vinegar directly to the skin can actually change the skin’s pH balance. Scabies mites do not do well when their environment changes. It also has very strong anti-bacterial properties that can clean out infected skin. While vinegar may kill mites and stop the infection from spreading, it has been known to be caustic. Those with very sensitive skin should try this remedy on a small patch of skin first to test sensitivity.
Instructions
- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part cool water.
- Dip a clean washcloth in solution and lay over the affected area.
- Let sit 10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
- Repeat 3 times a day.
Conclusion
Scabies is a hugely contagious disease and one that you can’t get easily rid of. There are many home remedies for scabies, but its prevalence and pervasiveness mean that using more than one treatment together is often the best way to go. Many of these home remedies for scabies are widely used in Africa and India, where scabies outbreaks can affect millions of people. They are often more effective than prescription treatments, as well as cheaper and safer. Which one of these remedies has worked for you?
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