Scabies is a skin condition caused by the small mites called Sarcoptes Scabiei. These mites dig hole into the skin of the infected host and starts living and reproducing there in.
They also cause secondary bacterial infection in the area which deteriorates the symptoms. The most interesting thing about scabies infection is that, the itching starts only after 30 days of infection, by the time the mites have already spread.
The common symptoms of scabies include intense itching, redness and small bump like rashes. Swelling and blisters in the area can also be observed in extreme cases.
The symptoms are mostly caused due to allergic reaction by the skin to the infection and the severity of the symptoms depends on the immunity of the host. One of the most problematic things about scabies is that they are highly contagious.
The infection can transmit from one person to another through simple touch or even by using the same personal items. Reinfestation is another problem which makes it difficult to get completely rid of scabies once it has entered your home.
To get rid of scabies there are a number of oral and topical medications that can be helpful. If your symptoms are too severe, it is best suggested to visit a dermatologist and start with the prescribed medication immediately.
The best way to get quick rid of the itching sensation in the area is to wash the skin of the area with cold water and then applying a calamine lotion, but that is only a temporary remedy. Here are some home remedies that can be effective to treat scabies depending on the extent of the symptoms.
Turmeric
Turmeric has strong antibacterial properties and it can kill the itch mites on your skin with high efficiency. Prepare a paste of fresh turmeric and apply the paste to the affected area of the skin.
Leave on for an hour and then wash off with slightly warm water. It will also help to reduce any inflammation on the skin caused by the infection.
Neem leaves
Collect some neem leaves, wash them clean of dirt and dust. Make a paste of these leaves by adding minimum water. Apply this paste to the affected area of the skin.
Leave on for an hour and wash off with mild warm water. Neem is a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent and it can be very helpful to kill the itch mites on your skin.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a very effective remedy that can kill the mites. It combines antibacterial, antifungal as well as anti-parasitic properties and also has the ability to heal wounds.
You can add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil in your warm bathing water or you can mix the tea tree oil with olive oil and apply the mixture onto the affected area with a cotton ball.
Borax
Borax has antifungal and anti-parasitic properties particularly due to its hydrogen peroxide content. Hydrogen peroxide can kill the scabies by hydrating their bodies.
Add 2 cups of Borax powder in your daily bathing water to get rid of scabies. You can also treat the particular area on the skin with Borax and water solution to get quick results.
Neem oil
Neem oil has been used for long to treat any kind of infection. Due to its strong antibacterial properties, this natural oil is able to kill parasites most effectively. Rub in some pure neem oil to the affected area of the skin and also add neem oil to your daily bathing water to get the best results.
Zinc
Zinc has antibacterial properties and it can be very effective to treat the secondary infection caused due to scabies. Zinc helps in boosting the natural immune system of the body and promotes the process of healing of the damaged cells.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil can be effective to kill scabies. Mix this oil with equal parts of carrier oil and apply this mixture onto the affected area of the skin.
Do not wash off the oil; let it be on the skin for as long as possible. A concoction of rosemary leaves can also be effective to treat the condition.
Clove oil
Clove oil has high anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 10 drops of clove oil with any carrier oil in equal amount and apply the mixture to the affected part of the skin to kill the scabies and also to heal the secondary bacterial infection.
Household soda
Make a thick paste with household soda powder and a few drops of water. Apply this paste to the affected part of the skin and let it dry. After it has dried out completely wash off the area with warm water. You can repeat this treatment 2 times a day.
White vinegar
Vinegar is acidic in nature and can be effective to kill scabies. Make a mixture with one part of white vinegar and one part of water and wash the skin of the affected area with this mixture repeatedly. It might be helpful to get rid of scabies.
Green tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and natural skin healing agents. Prepare a strong concoction of green tea and wash the skin of the affected area with this concoction. This can help in curing the secondary infection and heal the wounds quickly.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood can be helpful to cure the itching and the pain caused by scabies, quickly. Apply a thin paste of sandalwood on the affected skin and then continue layering as one coat gets dry. Continue this till the layer gets thick enough and let it dry completely. Do not wash off.
Along with taking the right measures to cure scabies, it is also very important to ensure that the mites are killed from everywhere in your home, so that they cannot re-infect.
These mites stay on your furniture, bed, pillows and clothes and can cause re-infestation as soon as your skin will come in contact with them.
The only way to get rid of scabies completely is to clean up your home, bed and clothes in the best way with proper cleaning agents that can kill these mites. Vacuum cleaning the couches and beds can be an effective solution.
Do not only wash all your clothing and furnishing in sulfur based cleanser, but also dip them in Borax solution before drying them up, which will ensure that the scabies are killed.
