3 Easy Home Remedies to Get Rid of Scabies

Scabies is highly contagious and spreads easily among people in close contact with one another. This is why it's important to treat everyone who might be affected to get rid of it.

Reviewed and approved by the nutritionist Eliana Delgado Villanueva.

Written by Eliana Delgado Villanueva

Last update: 11 July, 2022

Scabies is a condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei parasite. This mite burrows into your skin, and the first symptoms can be hard to identify.

Scabies mites penetrate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. If you don’t treat it in time, this reaction can lead to a secondary infection. But, if you treat it quickly and effectively, scabies will be a temporary problem.

It’s important to know that scabies is contagious and can easily spread through physical contact in families, classrooms, retirement homes, etc. That’s why doctors recommend treating anyone who might have been exposed.

Symptoms of scabies

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the symptoms of scabies start between one and two weeks after the initial infestation. However, a reinfestation can cause symptoms within 48 hours.

One of the most evident symptoms is intense, hard-to-control itching , especially at night . At first, small red blotches appear. If it gets worse, you may see scabs or flakes.

• The mites look for folds and cracks in the body: between your fingers, wrists, elbows, butt, nipples, and even your genitals
• However, you have to be careful because they can also hide in accessories like watches, bracelets, belts, and rings

It’s extremely important to remember that these symptoms might disappear, but it doesn’t mean you no longer have the infection.

How to treat scabies

If a doctor suspects a patient has scabies, they’ll first look for signs and symptoms of the infection, like the characteristic pimple-like skin rash. Then, they’ll take a skin scraping and examine it under the microscope. If a patient has these symptoms already, however, the doctor will start treatment even before confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment for scabies involves some topical medications that fight the infection and control the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common are:

• Permethrin cream (Elimite). This is a topical cream that kills the scabies mites and their eggs.
• Lindane lotion. This is only for people who can’t tolerate other treatments.
• Crotamiton (Eurax). Available as a cream or a lotion. You apply once a day for two days.
• Ivermectin (Stromectol). This is an oral medication for people with immune system problems or who don’t respond to conventional treatment.

You should only use these medications with your doctor’s supervision. They will figure out what dose you should be taking and be able to inform you about side-effects and interactions.

Home remedies to help treat scabies

These home remedies to treat scabies shouldn’t replace conventional medical treatment. However, you can use them in conjunction with your medication to relieve some of the symptoms. Thus, everything will depend on the case and the recommendations of a professional.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera’s properties make it a great option to soothe itching. It can also regenerate, reduce inflammation, and heal the affected areas.

In a non-comparative study from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, researchers found that aloe vera gel can be as effective as benzyl benzoate for treating scabies.

Thanks to its hydrating and repairing properties, aloe vera can help relieve irritated skin. What’s more, it’s safe and doesn’t cause side-effects. Even if you use it for an extended period.

Ingredients

• Aloe vera gel

Procedure

• Firstly, wash the affected area well
• Secondly, apply a generous layer of aloe vera and then wait 30 minutes
• Then, after 30 minutes, rinse with cold water
• Finally, repeat this process twice a day

2. Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil can also help soothe itchy skin, but it can’t get rid of any skin burrowed scabies eggs. However, a study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that this oil is promising for treating scabies.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. of tree oil (15 g.)
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil (15 g.)

Procedure

• Firstly, wash the affected area
• Secondly, mix the oils together
• Then, use a cotton ball to apply it to the affected zone
• Finally, repeat twice a day for three weeks

3. White vinegar

There’s no scientific evidence that supports the safety and efficacy of white vinegar for treating scabies. However, it’s a classic folk remedy for relieving the itchiness and irritation related to scabies. Follow these instructions if you want to try it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. of white vinegar (125 ml.)
• 1/2 c. of water (125 ml.)

What should you do?

• Firstly, mix the water and vinegar in a container
• Secondly, with the help of the cotton ball, apply it to the affected area
• Then, wait 15 minutes and rinse with warm water
• Finally, repeat three times a day for 15 days

Recommendations

• Firstly, if you’re itchy, have a burning sensation, and have a rash, avoid contact with other people
• Don’t share your clothes or any other objects you use on a daily basis
• Also, wash your bedspread and sheets with hot water or a high dryer setting to eliminate mites
• Seek immediate medical help if you can’t sleep due to the itching and burning or if you’re skin is tender

Finally, don’t forget to use your medication for as long as your doctor instructs you to. While these natural remedies can help, they aren’t an effective treatment for scabies.