Scabies is unbearable. You feel like tearing off your skin to escape the non-stop itch of this skin disease.
Scabies is contagious skin infestations. It is also known as ‘seven-year itch’ because of the unending itch, skin rash, and blisters it causes you. (1)
Scabies is very common. More than 300 million people suffer from this skin infestation annually all over the world.
Tiny itch mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei are the causes of scabies. These mites are female parasites with eight legs and a length of 1.3 millimeters.
The scabies mites dig into your skin and cause unending itch, rash, redness, and blisters. The microscopic mites hole tunnels inside your skin to lay and hatch eggs.
The larvae come out of the eggs and creep onto the surface of your skin. They may crawl and spread on the other areas of your body as well. (2)
Your body has an allergic reaction to these mites and their deposits on your skin. Thus you experience the relentless itch.
Scabies is highly contagious. It spreads rapidly among persons in close contact. Sharing a common bed, towels, clothes, etc. can also spread the scabies mites.
If you leave scabies untreated, it’ll turn worse. There are various over the counter anti-scabies lotions and creams. Antihistamines, steroid pills, and creams are other conventional treatments to relieve the itch of scabies. (3)
These drugs use harsh chemicals such as permethrin. There are serious risks of side effects involved with these medications. It is not advisable to treat children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with these chemical induced drugs. (4)
Here’s the good news: Using tea tree oil for scabies is a great alternative remedy from the mites. Tea tree oil has all the natural chemical compounds to treat scabies effectively without any side effects. In this article, you’ll learn some of the easiest methods of using tea tree oil to get rid of scabies.
Find out more in this article:
- Tea tree oil- all natural scabies remedy
- Why use tea tree oil for scabies?
- 6 Most effective tea tree oil remedies for scabies
- Symptoms of scabies
- Tips and precautions for controlling scabies
Tea Tree Oil- An All-Natural Remedy for Scabies
Tea tree oil comes from Melaleuca alternifolia. It is an evergreen tree from Australia. This herbal oil has a pale yellow color and champhorous odor. (5)
This cheap herbal oil is famous for curing fungal and bacterial infections. The skin care industries rely a lot on tea tree oil for a wide range of cosmetics and skin care products.
The antiseptic and anti-bacterial components of tea tree oil are ideal for the cure of scabies, skin tags, coughs, cold, flu, chest congestion, congested nose, acne, yeast infections, burns, and minor cuts. (6)
Why use tea tree oil for scabies?
Powerful Antimicrobial agent: A study shows that terminal-4-ol in tea tree oil is a potent antimicrobial agent. (7) The lowest dosage of tea tree oil or Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) from 0.06 to 0.5% can fight against various pathogens. (8)
Anti-inflammatory effects: the anecdotal evidence in tea tree oil confirms its anti-inflammatory power. The active anti-inflammatory compound terpinene-4-ol at a concentration of 0.125% can inhibit several forms of inflammatory responses. (9)
Scabies mites are responsible for allergic reactions as well. Tea tree oil can reduce the hypersensitivity of your skin and prevent histamine related inflammations. (10)
Acaricidal effects: acaricidal are chemical compounds that can kill a wide range of parasites such as lice, mites, ticks, etc. the natural acaricidal properties of tea tree oil is effective against human scabies Sarcoptes scabiei.
The research proves that tea tree oil is a more potent scabicidal agent than the conventional drugs ivermectin and permethrin. 2013 experiment shows, 5% concentration of tea tree oil on scabies infested area for about 60 minutes killed 100% of the mites. Whereas, permethrin achieved the similar result in 150 minutes. (11)
It’s safe: Tea tree essential oil comes from the distillation of Melaleuca alternifolia tree leaves. The steam distillation keeps intact the therapeutic values of the tea tree leaves. (12)
Tea tree oil is all natural with no preservatives or additives in it. That’s why tea tree oil is superior to other chemical induced creams and drugs which may have the backlash of side effects. A recent experiment conducted in a dermatology clinic, 217 patients were patch tested with 20% tea tree oil. They showed no sign of allergic sensitivity to the oil. (13)
Let’s get to know some of the easiest but effective tea tree oil remedies for scabies.
6 Most Effective Tea Tree Oil Remedies for Scabies
1. Tea Tree Oil with Olive Oil
There are more than twelve polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil. A study proves the antibacterial activities of these phenolic compounds. (14) A pair of tea tree oil and olive oil can relieve the inflammation and solve scabies problem for good.
You’ll need:
- Tea tree oil 20 drops
- Extra virgin olive oil ½ cup
- Washcloth
Directions:
- Add the tea tree oil to the olive oil and mix them well.
- Massage scabies affected areas with the solution for several minutes.
- After an hour wipe off the oil using a washcloth
- Repeat the process until the scabies mites are all gone.
2. Tea Tree Oil with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an all-time favorite and the most readily available skin care product. The lauric acid in coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial properties. The oil can penetrate deep into your skin and fight the mites. (15) You can combine coconut oil with tea tree oil for a perfect scabicidal tonic.
You’ll need:
- Tea tree oil 10 drops
- Coconut oil 1 tablespoon
Directions:
- Add the tea tree oil to coconut oil and make a nice solution
- Apply the tonic oil to your scabies infested skin
- Repeat the process before going to bed every night, and the creepy scabies mites will vanish in no time.
3. Tea Tree Oil with Clove Oil
Clove oil has marvelous benefits in treating skin disorders. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties to kill the mites and relieve the pains, rashes of the infestation.
A recent study has proved the superiority of clove oil over certain OTC drugs such as benzyl benzoate. During the experiment clove oil’s chemical compound eugenol showed a high level of scabicidal effects. The scabies mites could not survive more than one hour after the exposure to clove oil. (16)
You can prepare a powerful anti-scabies tonic at home by mixing clove and tea tree oil.
You’ll need:
- Tea tree oil 10 drops
- Clove oil 10 drops
- Coconut oil ½ cup
- Honey 1 tablespoon (optional)
Directions:
- Add clove and tea tree oil to the carrier oil
- Mix them well into a blend
- You can add a tablespoon of honey in it for thickness
- Now apply the solution on scabies infested skin like a layer
- Leave it on the skin for an hour before wiping it off with a towel
- Repeat the process twice a day to get rid of scabies
4. Tea Tree Oil with Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil comes from rosemary flowering plant. This amazing plant has a plethora of uses for promoting health and in Mediterranean cuisine.
Rosemary essential oil is enriched with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, sedative, analgesic and expectorant properties.
Thus, a combination of tea tree oil and rosemary oil can relieve the inflammation of scabies and prevent the risks of secondary infections.
A study has shown significant effects of rosemary oil in killing scabies mites when combined with tea tree oil. (17)
You’ll need:
Tea tree oil 10 drops
Rosemary oil 5 drops
Clove oil 5 drops
Coconut oil or olive oil ½ cup
Directions:
- Mix all the essential oils with either coconut or olive oil
- Massage the oil blend on scabies affected skin for some time
- The skin will soak in all the oil after some time
- You can wipe off the skin with a warm cloth after an hour
- Repeat the method twice a day to get rid of scabies mites
5. Tea Tree Oil with Neem Paste
Azadirachta indica ADR or neem leaves are an inseparable part of Indian Ayurvedic system. This green and bitter leaves have hundreds of medicinal values. An experiment on the efficacy of neem paste conducted among 814 scabies victims showed 97% cure within 15 days. You can mix this great scabicidal agent with tea tree oil to avail extra benefits. (18)
You’ll need:
- Tea tree oil 10 drops
- Neem paste ½ cup
Directions:
- Add tea tree oil to the neem paste and mix thoroughly
- Now, apply the mixture to scabies affected skin area
- Allow the mixture to work on the scabies mites for an hour
- Take a shower and wash off the skin areas
- Repeat the process once daily before taking shower
6. Tea Tree Oil and Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is pink colored magnesium sulfate. This aesthetic looking mineral is full of therapeutic values. Especially it is the best ingredient you can use for a refreshing bath. Epsom salt has the healing properties to detoxify your body inside out. (19)
Mixing tea tree oil and Epsom salt with your bath water you can indulge in a skin restorative dip.
You’ll need:
- Tea tree oil 20 drops
- Epsom salt 2 cups
Directions:
- Mix the ingredients with the water in your bathtub
- Now, immerse yourself in the rejuvenating solution for 30 minutes
- Pat dry your skin once you come out of the water
- Repeat this shower treatment for a week to notice the good results
Common Symptoms of Scabies (20)
- Severe itching, rash, sores or blisters, and redness
- Children and adult men experience the itch between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waistlines, and the genitals
- Children also have the scabies itch on their scalp, palms, feet, neck, and face
- Women may suffer the itch on nipples, cleavage, bra lines, and the waistlines
- The irritations and itch is more severe at night
Tips and Precautions for Controlling Scabies
1. Wash Your Bedding and Clothing
You have to maintain extra hygiene with your clothes, bed sheet, pillowcase, etc. you are down with scabies. Wash your laundries regularly with hot water and detergent to kill the mites. This way you can keep your scabies from spreading.
2. Vacuum Carpet and Furniture
It is highly recommended that you vacuum your furniture and carpet on a daily basis. It is possible that the mites spread on these objects and later contact other persons from there. After using the vacuum cleaner, dispose of or burn the vacuum bag that may contain mites.
3. Limit Your Area
It sounds unpleasant, but you have to limit your space and contact with persons when you are suffering from scabies. Otherwise, you may contaminate others with the infestation. Take leave from work or school for a week and treat yourself to scabies before you go back to normal routines.
4. Avoid Scratching Itchy Skin
Scratching the non-stop scabies itch seems unavoidable. But you have to keep your nails on guard and avoid messing with your inflamed skin. Scratching the infected skin may lead to secondary infections too.
5. Try to Minimize Stress
A stressful life and negative thoughts can magnify scabies itch and make it more pathetic. You should indulge in activities such as yoga, jogging, long walks, gardening, meditation, etc. to de-stress yourself. Suffering from scabies is a painful journey, but you have to deal with it for a while. Stay positive about life at all times.
6. Eat a Healthy Diet
It is highly advisable that you follow specific diet course when dealing with scabies. Your immune system needs to fight the infestation internally. In that case, you have to add anti-inflammatory food items to your diets. There are anti-histamine foods to prevent allergic symptoms, itchiness, swellings, etc. to a great extent. Some of the anti-inflammatory foods are walnuts, green vegetables, beetroots, salmon, broth, etc.
Bottom line
Today tea tree oil has become a powerful and low-cost home remedy for scabies. The Royal Darwin Hospital in Australia has recommended this essential oil as a superior natural drug to all other conventional anti-scabies medications.
You can try any of the tea tree oil remedies discussed above to get rid of scabies mites. Moreover, follow the healthy lifestyle routine as preventive measures to inhibit the growth of scabies.
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Read more: 10 Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Scabies That’ll Actually Work
