Imagine tiny parasites burrowing deep into your skin, causing extreme itchiness and severe infection.
Isn’t that scary? As scary as it is, it is a natural phenomenon that can affect anyone!
Plus, the fact is that this prevalent parasitic infection is called scabies. Moreover, it affects about 300 million people worldwide each year [1].
You can get rid of scabies right away using some easy home remedies!
In this article, we will learn about some natural remedies for scabies so that you can get well as soon as possible!
Also, in this article, you’ll get to know about:
- What is scabies?
- 12 Easy home remedies for scabies
- How to prepare these natural remedies?
- Some questions and answers
What Is Scabies?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this skin disease is caused by an infestation of the Sarcoptes scabiei, otherwise known as the “human itch mite.”
These tiny mites infest the outer layers of human skin.
The skin feels irritated due to the invasion that causes itching and rashes as the mites burrow and lay eggs inside the skin.
These mites cannot fly or jump; they crawl slowly.
Scabies mites are mainly transmitted by contact with an infected person, i.e., either by direct contact with an infected person or even by extended contact with the infected person’s bedding, clothing, or towels.
The prolonged skin-to-skin contact that lasts for about 15-30 minutes allows the mites to crawl from one person to the other and cause the infestation.
However, mites are not transmitted through a quick handshake or a hug.
Scabies is highly contagious. Moreover, on top of that, it is incredibly uncomfortable too.
How to Identify and Diagnose Scabies?
Sarcoptes scabiei is tiny, and human eyes can’t see them directly.
However, they appear to have a round body with eight legs when viewed under a microscope.
So how will you identify scabies if you can’t see them?
You will have to identify them by the signs or symptoms they cause. Below are a few indicators:
- Rash and intense itching (a most common symptom that gets worse at night)
- The skin may have red and scaly patches
- Scabies rash look like pimples or blisters (usually pink bumps with a clear top filled with fluid)
- The appearance of gray lines along with red bumps
Scabies mites sometimes attack the entire body, but they mainly like the skin on the hands and feet.
The rashes caused by Sarcoptes scabies look similar to those caused by dermatitis, syphilis, poison ivy, and other parasites such as fleas.
12 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Scabies
One can get rid of the mites causing scabies naturally using home remedies.
However, if scabies infestation does not clear or shows no improvement, they should consult a doctor immediately.
Below are some natural home remedies for scabies:
1. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is an essential oil. It is an excellent source of omega-six fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid. This, essentially, evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of a plant that goes by the same name.
As you might know, the evening primrose oil has been the go-to option for women in different parts of the world. This oil is famous and works very efficiently for many female-related issues. Such issues include premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, breast pain, and endometriosis.
It is also a popular remedy for acne.
The evening primrose oil can alleviate other health issues as well. These are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, skin ailments, infertility, and hair loss.
The oil has a multitude of pharmacological properties. Moreover, it is most famous for its anti-microbial, antihelminthic, and anti-inflammatory properties [2].
Plus, it belongs to the list of most useful traditional medicines that help cure scabies [2].
You can use evening primrose oil to soothe skin irritation and inflammation.
Since it contains an analgesic compound called phenylalanine, it can also be used to alleviate the discomfort caused by scabies.
Moreover, you should disinfect your home of scabies to stop the spread of the infestations. For example, you can apply a few drops of oil on your furniture, mattress, pillow, etc., to kill scabies mites.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of evening primrose oil
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine olive oil and evening primrose oil
- Use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to affected areas of the skin.
- Do this once a day for three to four weeks.
RELATED: Evening Primrose Oil For Acne: Can Solve Your Problems?
2. Tea Tree Oil
The first-ever use of Tea Tree Oil was in Australia about a hundred years ago. Today, the scenario has changed entirely. It is now widely used in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world [3].
This essential oil is primarily used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. This is why it has been the go-to solution for many skins and inflammation-related disorders [3].
Scientists have done numerous studies to prove the efficacy and tolerability of this medicinal oil [3].
The 2016 edition American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene published a critical study. The study carried out in the same year reported some significant findings about the tea tree oil. First, it shows that tea tree oil demonstrates properties that can be highly useful in treating scabies [4].
For one, it has been proven in numerous trials that tea tree oil has acaricidal solid effects that can most likely work also on the human itch mite [4].
It’s an excellent alternative to standard antiparasitic medications to which mites and other microorganisms have grown resistant [4].
The tea tree oil also has an anti-inflammatory compound called terpinen-4-o. This compound can reduce inflammation caused by scabies [4].
On top of all these, tea tree oil is also an effective antipruritic. Being antipruritic means it can alleviate the itchiness of the skin and reduce the burden of this condition [4].
What You’ll Need:
- 12 drops of tea tree oil
- Lukewarm bath water
Recommended Directions:
- Add tea tree oil to bath water.
- Swish your fingers to mix the oil into the water.
- Soak in the bath for 30 minutes.
- Do this twice a day for three weeks.
RELATED: 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (Backed by Evidence
3. Zinc
Do you have any idea how important zinc is to our health?
Most people know that it can help in boosting the immune system. Even so, doctors in developing countries prescribe zinc supplements for children. It is because they are young, and their immune system is still growing.
However, unfortunately, many still don’t know what adverse health effects a person can face if this essential trace element is missing from their body. For example, zincing deficiency can lead to many problems such as stunted growth, diarrhea, and delayed skin healing.
It also plays a crucial role in multiple aspects. This includes functioning several bodily systems, reducing stress levels, metabolizing energy, and maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
It can also ward off some ailments, including scabies.
A study published in the Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps reported that zinc is one of the main ingredients used in an herbal ointment for scabies [5].
A single topical application of the herbal preparation proved sufficient in treating the skin infection within 24 hours [5].
In addition to this, zinc is also believed to prevent secondary infections of the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- Three zinc tablets
- One teaspoon of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
Recommended Directions:
- Crush zinc tablets until they turn into powder.
- Add turmeric and water.
- Mix well.
- Spread the paste on the skin and wait for it to dry up.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Do this once a day until the infection disappears.
- Eat foods that contain zinc, such as soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat bran, and whole grain products.
4. Neem Oil
Another essential oil that has made our list for you is Neem oil. It is a yellowish brown oil with a bitter taste and garlic smell. It is derived from a tree that’s also known as Indian Lilac.
As the name suggests, it comes from India and is one of the most highly revered medicinal oils in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurveda and folk remedy is popular in India and nearby countries. So, it is an essential item used in those types of treatments. In addition, Neem is famous for its antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties [6]
There’s more than enough scientific evidence to prove that Neem can tone down scabies [7, 8, 9, 10, 11].
A laboratory experiment by Chinese scientists brought astonishing results. They confirmed that about 200 mg of neem oil could cause a 100 percent mortality of scabies parasites after 4.5 hours of exposure [8].
On the other hand, another clinical trial, performed by a team of researchers from Egypt, gave more important information about the benefits of neem oil. In their practice, 40 rabbits infested with 50 mites were divided into four groups. They offered either neem extract, ivermectin, a placebo, or no treatment to each group [9].
The group receiving treatment with neem oil was healed entirely from the parasitic infestation [9].
One study also points out that undiluted neem oil is even more potent than commercial scabies medications, killing mite larvae as quickly as 25 minutes after application [11].
However, since neem oil cannot be used undiluted or there’s a risk of skin irritation, diluting it first in a carrier oil would be safer.
What You’ll Need:
- Ten drops of neem oil
- One teaspoon of olive oil.
Recommended Directions:
- Mix neem oil and olive oil.
- Massage oil mixture on the skin.
- Do this for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Let it sit for 15 more minutes before taking a bath.
- Repeat the remedy once a day for a few weeks.
5. Turmeric
A frequently used culinary spice in Southeast Asia, turmeric is made by crushing and grinding the dried roots of the turmeric plant.
The result is a golden-colored powder, which has been referred to as “nature’s miracle,” “golden goddess,” “queen of spices,” and many more.
For centuries, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many health problems, including arthritis, liver problems, smallpox, ulcers, and blood diseases [12].
It is also a standard treatment for scabies and their symptoms [12].
A 1992 study involving 814 people with scabies showed that the combination of turmeric and Neem resolved 97 percent of the cases within three to 15 days [13].
There were no reported adverse reactions from using this mixture [13].
Researchers conclude that turmeric is a “very cheap, easily available, effective and acceptable” treatment for scabies, particularly for people in developing countries who cannot afford expensive medications [13].
There’s no surprise in turmeric’s efficacy since it has consistently been recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
What You’ll Need:
- One teaspoon of turmeric powder
- One teaspoon of neem powder
- One teaspoon of water
Recommended Directions:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Apply on sores areas of the body.
- Let it dry before taking a bath.
- Do this remedy every day for one to two weeks.
6. Neem Leaves
It’s not just the oil extracted from Neem that is beneficial for scabies but so are the leaves.
Folk healers have long relied on neem leaves for the treatment of a multitude of skin-related disorders, particularly those that are caused by microbial infections.
Neem leaves contain compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties that can diminish skin infections [14].
It can control and neutralize harmful microbes, tone down swelling and discomfort, and boost the immune defense against pathogens.
An Indian study also mentions that neem leaf extract can cure dermatological problems in as short as three to five days [15].
What You’ll Need:
- A bunch of fresh neem leaves
- Recommended Directions:
- Crush neem leaves to make a paste.
- Wash skin with water.
- Apply neem paste evenly.
- Wait for it to dry before rinsing it off.
- Repeat every day until scabies is healed.
7. Aloe Vera
Many beautiful things can be said about aloe vera.
Referred to as the “plant of immortality” in ancient Egypt, aloe vera has been widely acclaimed for its various purposes in health and dermatology [16].
Cleopatra used it as part of her beauty regimen, while Christopher Columbus and Alexander the Great treated the wounds of their soldiers with gel extracted from this plant.
In the 1800s, aloe vera became a potent laxative in the United States and eventually as a treatment for many other ailments years after that.
For scabies, aloe vera can help clear this condition and alleviate the distressing symptoms.
In a clinical study performed at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2009, 16 patients with scabies were treated with aloe vera gel, while 14 patients were given benzyl benzoate lotion [17].
In the findings, it was evident that aloe vera gel eliminated scabietic skin lesions and relieved itching without producing any harmful side effects [17].
The conclusion was that aloe vera was “as effective as benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies” [17].
What You’ll Need:
- Two tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- A bunch of calendula petals
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Recommended Directions:
- Crush calendula petals.
- Add aloe vera gel and turmeric powder.
- Use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to the skin.
- Repeat twice a day for one to two weeks.
RELATED: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
8. Lavender Oil
With a long list of impressive pharmacological effects, it’s no wonder lavender oil is one of the world’s most popular and most widely used essential oils.
Apart from being a well-known stress reducer, it has other tricks people should also take advantage of.
For example, lavender oil is also a potent antibacterial agent that can prevent infections caused by different strains of bacteria [18].
It has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, easing inflammation, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms [19].
Along with its anti-microbial properties, it has soothing effects on the skin that can lighten up scabies’ painful and distressing symptoms.
What You’ll Need:
- Ten drops of pure lavender oil
- Warm bath water
- Five drops of lavender oil
- One tablespoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Pour ten drops of lavender oil into the bath water.
- Soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Do this every day for two to three weeks.
- Next, combine five drops of lavender oil and olive oil.
- Apply to affected areas of the skin.
- Repeat the procedure twice a day until the condition clears.
RELATED: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Earth Clinic recommends the use of hydrogen peroxide for people suffering from scabies.
When applied to painful lesions, hydrogen peroxide can kill the harmful microorganisms causing the infection.
Pairing it with borax makes it even more effective in disinfecting the skin and relieving the symptoms of this skin disease.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- 1/2 cup of borax
- Bathwater
Recommended Directions:
- Add hydrogen peroxide and borax to bath water.
- Soak in the bath for 15 minutes.
- Repeat daily for one to two weeks.
10. Clove Oil
When you think of clove oil, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Like most people, you’ll also probably say a toothache.
This is understandable since clove oil is the primary solution that has been used for years to ease pain caused by tooth problems.
Did you know that it has many other positive effects on people’s health?
If you suffer from scabies, this is one of those natural interventions you can use to control the infection.
Clove oil contains an active compound called eugenol that has been proven effective in killing scabies mites [20].
It was proven highly toxic against these mites, killing them in as short as one hour [20].
Eugenol’s analogs, such as acetyl eugenol and isoeugenol, have toxicity levels similar to benzyl benzoate [20].
Findings from this study confirm that clove oil’s acaricidal properties make it a viable alternative topical treatment for this prevalent skin infection [20].
However, researchers recommend further tests to guarantee the safety and efficacy of this herbal treatment [20].
What You’ll Need:
- Five drops of clove oil
Recommended Directions:
- Pour clove oil on a clean towel.
- Apply a towel to affected areas of the skin.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Follow this remedy once a day for two weeks.
11. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper or Capsicum annuum is a moderately hot chili. It is an important spice to flavor dishes in different countries.
The fascinating fact is that people have been using this hot spice for medicinal purposes for over 9000 years. There are some health benefits of cayenne pepper. The spicy pepper comes in powder, capsule, and natural form.
Cayenne pepper can stimulate blood circulation in the body, detoxify the blood, lower acidity, intestinal gas, high cholesterol, prevent diarrhea, and so forth.
Cayenne pepper effectively treats skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and scabies.
The active compound capsaicin in the hot pepper can desensitize the skin neurons and relieve itch and irritations caused by scabies. Moreover, a 2010 study has proved that the pepper has analgesic qualities in reducing soft tissue pain in the skin. You can topically apply the pepper to kill the scabies mites fast.
What You’ll Need:
- Two teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder
- One tablespoon of water
Recommended Directions:
- Mix water with cayenne pepper and form a delicate cream.
- Apply the cream on scabies-affected skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off using cool water.
- Repeat the simple treatment four times daily.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the juice from apples and is an excellent source of pectin, as well as vitamins like B complex and vitamin C.
Along with the vitamin C and B complex, it also contains traces of minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus.
Due to the presence of potent chemicals like citric acid and acetic acid, it’s used in making natural remedies, and especially in treating scabies as vinegar is acidic, the high PH, when used on the skin, causes the bugs to die.
What You’ll Need:
- One tablespoon of water
- One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Cotton ball
Recommended Directions:
- Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a bowl
- Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the infected area
- Leave it on the skin for 15-20 minutes; then wash it off with warm water
- Do this three times a day to get rid of scabies manifestation
RELATED: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags
Tests and Diagnosis
Scabies is first diagnosed by the lesions or bumps found on the skin. However, there are other tests to confirm the presence of mites, such as:
- Skin scrapping to identify the presence of mites or eggs
- Dermoscopy
- Adhesive tape test, where the doctor puts the tape on the skin and pulls it off to view under the microscope.
So, scabies must be treated immediately.
A complex form of scabies may require you to get medical attention immediately.
However, if you want to alleviate the problem straight away and if it is not that complex, then you should try these home remedies for scabies.
Common Medications Used To Treat Scabies
To diagnose scabies, doctors look for signs of mites and burrows by scrapping an area of the skin that might contain mites.
After observing under the microscope, the doctor can determine the presence of mites or their eggs.
Several creams and lotions available to treat scabies should be used only under the doctor’s prescription. Some of them include:
- Ivermectin (Stromectol)
- Crotamiton (Eurax)
- Permethrin cream (Elimite)
- Lindane lotion
Some Q&A About Scabies
What do I do if I have crusted scabies?
Crusted Scabies, also called Norwegian Scabies, is both a rare and a severe form of scabies. The most dangerous thing about it is that it is highly contagious. You can find an exact number of mites on and on the skin. The best thing to do if you have crusted scabies is to get medical help immediately.
Can I get scabies from my pet?
Yes, contracting scabies from your pet is very much possible. For example, if you have a dog, you will most likely get scabies. If you think your pet has scabies, then you should take your pet to the vet immediately. Thus, reducing the risk of yourself getting the disease.
Can scabies go away on their own?
No. Without treatment, the mites will reproduce and cause more itching and sores over time, but with the proper treatment, the mites will die, and the itching will go away over some days to weeks.
Is there any correct way to use medicines for scabies?
Yes. There is. To successfully treat this condition, all the affected members of your house should receive the treatment at the same time.
Bottom Line
Scabies can take a toll on the quality of your life.
Contracting it is pretty straightforward but treating it is both easy and complex.
You should not waste any more time if you think you have scabies.
The best thing to do will be to manage it more efficiently with the help of these natural home remedies for scabies.
We hope this article came to your help. If you have any questions or confusion regarding it, feel free to ask us.
Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving your comments below.
READ MORE: 15 Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs That Works
