Home Remedies for Scabies

What is scabies?

Scabies is a skin problem caused by minuscule mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites tunnel into the skin, producing intense itching and irritation, and the females deposit eggs beneath the skin’s surface. After several days the eggs hatch, the larvae migrate to the skin surface, and the cycle continues. Scabies can produce:

• rashes
• skin discoloration
• blisters

A scabies infestation will not resolve on its own and is highly contagious.

Many standard scabies treatments can cause adverse effects. If mites become resistant to these medications, some infestations may not respond. For this reason, some people turn to natural home remedies to manage scabies.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health concerns, consult your physician before trying any remedies.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil may serve as an effective topical option for scabies because it helps reduce itching and soothes the rash. However, it may be less effective against eggs located deeper in the skin. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle and mist it onto bedding.

A study suggests that tea tree oil is a promising alternative for scabies, especially in cases that fail to improve with conventional therapies.

Although tea tree oil has shown efficacy against scabies in laboratory tests and some human reports, larger randomized controlled trials are still needed. Some individuals can be allergic to tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil has properties that are:

• antibacterial
• anti-inflammatory
• acaricidal (capable of killing mites)
• antipruritic (reduces itching)

Still, some people may experience allergic reactions or other adverse effects from tea tree oil. Stop use if you notice signs of an allergy.

Neem

Neem oil, soaps, and creams can be useful alternative options for scabies. They possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties.

Neem, at concentrations between 20% and 60%, can damage the exoskeleton of scabies mites.

An animal study in pigs found neem cleared scabies in about 6 weeks, compared with 5 weeks using a conventional treatment.

Further research in humans with larger sample sizes is necessary.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is known for soothing and healing sunburned skin. It can also ease itching and has activity against scabies. An older study reported that aloe vera gel was as effective as benzyl benzoate (a common prescription therapy) in treating scabies, with no noted side effects.

This small trial included only 16 participants using aloe vera, so larger studies are required. If you choose aloe vera gel, make sure it’s pure and free of additives.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper might help relieve pain from scabies. Some people believe it can kill scabies mites, but robust scientific proof is lacking.

The capsaicin in cayenne desensitizes skin neurons when applied topically.

Always perform a patch test before using it broadly, as some individuals may develop skin irritation.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains antimicrobial, anesthetic, and antioxidant qualities that contribute to its therapeutic potential.

It is also an effective insecticidal agent. Research notes that clove oil can eliminate scabies and other mites, citing lab tests using scabies from pigs. Eugenol, a major component of clove essential oil, can damage the mites’ exoskeleton and digestive tract.

However, additional human studies are required to confirm the full effectiveness of these oils.

Other essential oils

While more research is necessary, the following essential oils may help treat scabies:

• lemongrass
• geranium
• cinnamon
• camphorwood
• palmarosa
• lemon myrtle
• lemon
• eucalyptus
• lavender
• bitter orange

Cleaning up

Scabies mites can survive up to four days without a human host, so it’s important to treat your environment to avoid re-infestation.

Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (122°F or 50°C) and dry them in a hot dryer.

Seal items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for at least four days.

If several people live in the same household where an infestation occurs, everyone should follow the cleaning routine, whether or not they have visible scabies bites.

When to talk with a doctor

Do not expect scabies to disappear instantly. Healing requires time, and itching can continue as the rash begins to resolve.

See a doctor if symptoms persist after a few weeks of treatment.

A skin examination can confirm scabies. Your physician may prescribe a topical cream to treat the infestation. More severe cases might need oral prescription medications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest home remedy for scabies?

Research indicates that tea tree, neem, and clove oils may be effective against scabies because they can harm the mites. However, they might not be effective against eggs embedded deeper in the skin.

Can I treat myself for scabies?

You might manage scabies with home remedies like certain diluted essential oils or over-the-counter products. If these approaches fail, prescription medications from a doctor may be necessary to fully clear the infestation.

What household cleaner kills scabies?

Experts recommend laundering bedding and clothing in hot water (122°F or 50°C) and drying them in a hot dryer to eliminate scabies on fabrics.

Will vinegar kill scabies?

There is no strong evidence that vinegar effectively kills scabies mites. To remove mites from fabrics, wash items in hot water (122°F or 50°C) and dry them on high heat.

To eliminate mites on the skin, try over-the-counter remedies, prescribed medications, or certain diluted essential oils such as tea tree oil.

The takeaway

Scabies does not clear instantly. Your skin may remain itchy until the rash subsides and you finish treatment for the infestation.

Certain essential oils, notably tea tree, neem, and clove oil, may assist in treating scabies. If the infestation does not resolve, consult a doctor about medical options, including topical and oral treatments that can help.

Cleaning clothing, bedding, and mattresses thoroughly can also reduce the risk of re-infestation.