February 2019

3 Natural Ways To Eliminate Scabies For Good

We have all had nightmares about the creepy crawly bugs that can burrow into our skin, ears, and noses, when all of the sudden we wake up and realize it is a bigger threat than we thought. Scabies is one of those infestations of the skin that can leave us itching nonstop, and with a painful red rash. As defined by The Center for Disease Control, “Scabies is not an infection, but an infestation. Tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei set up shop in the outer layers of human skin. The skin does not take kindly to the invasion. As the mites burrow and lay eggs inside the skin, the infestation leads to relentless itching and an angry rash.” (CDC, 2010). The symptoms of scabies don’t tend to show up until 4-6 weeks after the mites have infested the skin if you are affected for the first time. During this time period, you are able to spread scabies to a person if you have prolonged skin contact with them. [1]

How Scabies Can Spread:

• Prolonged Skin Contact (ie: sexual intercourse with the infected person, sharing of towels, clothing or bedding.)
• If you live in the same household as the affected person, you are at a higher threat for getting scabies due to sharing common household items such as furniture, laundry facilities, and the kitchen.

Symptoms of Scabies:

• Severe Itching of the Skin: The itching has been said to become more intense at night.
• Thin Burrow Tracks: This will result in small red bumps along the top later of your skin. (Mayo, 2015).

According to the Mayo Clinic, the areas that are most affected when contracting scabies are:

• Between fingers
• In armpits
• Around your waist
• Along the insides of wrists
• On your inner elbow
• On the soles of your feet
• Around breasts
• Around the male genital area
• On buttocks
• On knees
• On shoulder blades

In infants and young children, common sites of infestation include the:

• Scalp
• Face
• Neck
• Palms of the hands and soles of feet

3 Natural Home Remedies to Help Get Rid of Scabies:[4]

1. Apply Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is a natural remedy for many skin infections, including scabies. Tea tree oil helps balance the PH levels of the skin because it is slightly acidic, and it will slowly kill off the mites trying to live in your skin. According to beyond disease, “Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol which directly attacks and eliminates the scabies parasite.” (Beyond Disease, 2015). To use, simply fill up your bathtub with warm water, and drop 12-15 drops of tea tree oil in the water. Soak twice a day for 15 minutes. If you do not have time for a soak, simply mix one part tea tree oil to one part olive oil and apply directly to the infected area. Let the skin soak up the solution, and do not rub off. [3]

2. Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide: Borax is a natural insecticide and fungicide that will help kill off the mites. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a natural antibacterial agent (hence why we pour hydrogen peroxide in open wounds). These two substances together can do a major number on the mites that have invaded your skin. To apply, simply fill a bathtub up with lukewarm water and mix in two cups of borax and one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the water. Soak once a day for 15 minutes until you notice your skin clearing up.

3. Apply Lavender Oil: We all known lavender oil is used for relieving stress, but it is also a huge contender when talking about killing off mites. Using lavender oil will also aid in skin regeneration, which will allow your body to get rid of the infected skin. To apply lavender oil, mix equal parts of lavender oil to olive oil and apply to the affected area. Do not rub off, as the skin needs time to soak in the solution. You can apply several times throughout a day, and repeat until you see your skin clearing up. You can also combine lavender oil with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (on a q-tip) because rubbing alcohol is a strong astringent, which will help kill off the mites. Apply twice a day until the symptoms subside.

If you or the person you are living with is infected with the Scabies disease, there are many preventative measures you can take to ensure your home and personal items will not infect others.

When doing your laundry, make sure you clothing is completely dry, as the mite eggs will be eliminated in temperatures over 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). The same goes for your towels and sheets, run them through the laundry on hot, as well as dry them thoroughly to ensure that the mites and their eggs are killed. Rugs, and furniture are not normally affected unless the person has “crusted” scabies, in which they will have to go to a doctor to be treated. If you suspect that you or your household members are affected with scabies, always check with a doctor for a proper diagnosis. [5]

References

1. Scabies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (2010, November 2). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/gen_info/faqs.html
2. Scabies. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scabies/basics/symptoms/con-20023488
3. https://www.everydayhealth.com/scabies/treatment-prevention/
4. 13 Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Scabies Fast. (2015, July 8). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.beyonddisease.com/home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-scabies
5. Treating laundry, furniture, rugs and car for scabies mites. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.greendept.com/maximpulse/permethrin/treatinglaundry.html