17 Home Remedies For Scabies In Infants & Young Adults

updated: 06/16/2019

I. What Is Scabies?

Scabies^{[1] [2]} is contagious skin infestation that is characterized by itchiness and irritation on the skin. It makes the infected persons very uncomfortable. Scabies is caused by a tiny burrowing mite that is called Sarcoptes scabiei. If you catch scabies, the female mites will burrow into your skin and lay their eggs. Then, the symptoms of itch and discomfort will appear. Your skin appears rashes, redness, and blisters. The new mites move to your skin’s surface and continue the life cycle again. They estimated that about 300 million cases of scabies annually in the world.

 

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II. What Are The Causes Of Scabies?

Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei that is a parasite on the skin. It may easily transmit from person to person. Therefore, it is prone to cause an epidemic in the public areas, such as hospitals and nursing homes^[3].

If you have direct skin-to-skin contact to the persons catching scabies, you are likely to catch it. For example,

• Holding hands
• Having sex
• Using towels or clothes with infected persons.

Moreover, there are some groups of people who are highly vulnerable to getting scabies, including:

• Children at school
• People at the hospital for a long time.
• People with weak immune system, such as infants and the elderly or people having HIV disease

III. What Are The Symptoms Of Scabies?

If you catch scabies, your body certainly reacts to the existence of the scabies parasite. If it is the first time you get scabies, you will see the symptoms in 2 to 6 weeks. However, if you have ever caught scabies, the symptoms will appear sooner, after 1 to 4 days.

Some common symptoms of scabies are:

• Severe and extreme itchiness, especially at night
• Red rash on the thighs, stomach, and so on
• Burrow marks and silver lines along with a black dot appearing on any parts of your body, especially between your fingers and toes, your waist, breasts and so on
• Sores if the infected area is scratched
• Thick crusts in case of Norwegian scabies – a severe form of scabies

In infants and young children, the infected parts may be the face, scalps, neck, palms, and soles.

I am sure that the information above has provided you a better understanding of scabies. It is time to find out what the best home remedies for scabies are.

IV. Top 17 Effective Home Remedies For Scabies

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the natural remedies for scabies because it contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol^[4]. The compound helps to kill the parasite resulting in scabies. It is believed that 5 % tea tree oil reacts with scabies parasite in three hours. Therefore, besides attacking and killing the mites, it is also effective in speeding up the healing process and relieving the swelling and pain.

According to preliminary studies^[5], tea tree oil is a natural treatment for common animal and human infestations, including whitefly, head lice, and sheep lice. Another study^[6] found that it may kill head lice in an hour and eggs in five days. While head lice are different from mites causing scabies, the results suggest that using tea tree oil may help to treat other parasitic infections, including scabies.

Method 1:

• Prepare a mixture of one tablespoon of tea tree oil and one tablespoon of olive oil.
• Take a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the infected areas.
• Do this 2 times a day for 3 weeks to relieve swelling and pain.

Method 2:

• Take a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and pour 10 to 12 drops of pure tea tree oil in it. Soak yourselves in the water 2 times a day for a few weeks.

Note: Because tea tree oil is so sensitive, please test the oil in a small area of the skin first before using. Don’t use tea tree oil for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

It is dangerous to swallow tea tree oil because it is toxic. Avoid letting the oil get in the eyes and the areas around the eyes.

2. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a good solution for a number of skin problems, including scabies. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to kill bacteria and fungus on the skin. In addition, it aids in eliminating the reproduction of scabies thanks to its smell, which significantly contributes to reducing the healing time.

The chloroform extracts present in neem oil is extremely effective in eliminating Sarcoptes scabiei^[7].

The octadecanoic acid-3, 4-tetrahydrofuran diester is extremely potent in wiping out the scabies mites. Scientists noted that the compounds affected the energy metabolism of Sarcoptes scabiei, thus leading to insect death^[8].

Another study considering the effect of using neem seed extract shampoo on dogs infested with Sarcoptes scabies found that topically applying the shampoo healed those dogs completely. It killed adult mites and the mites that were in the developmental stages^[9].

Method 1:

• Use neem oil to apply to the areas affected by scabies.
• Massage slightly to help the oil penetrate deeper and quicker into your skin.
• Don’t wash the oil off immediately.
• Finally, have a bath.
• Follow this method once every day for several weeks.

Method 2:

• Take some tablespoons of neem oil and pour them in a bowl.
• Mix the neem oil with 1/8 cup of liquid soap.
• Add the mixture to a bathtub filled with hot water.
• Take a bath with the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Do this everyday until your condition is improved.

3. Neem Leaves

As we can see above, neem oil is excellent in treating scabies. Also, neem leaves are considered as one of the good remedies for scabies. It helps to decrease the symptom of the itch and clear the scabies parasite within a few days. According to a study in Tropical and Geographical Medicine , among 814 people who were treated with neem leaves and turmeric, after 3-15 days of treatment, almost 97% of the cases didn’t have to suffer from scabies any more^[10].

Method 1:

• Crush a small number of neem leaves to make a paste.
• Clean the affected areas.
• Apply the paste to them.
• Dry it naturally, then have a bath to clean the dried paste. Apply this remedy every day to shorten the recovery process.

Method 2:

• Take some neem leaves and put them in a pot, pour some water in it and boil them. Cool the liquid down.
• Have a drink of the liquid 3 or 4 times every day. The recommended dose is one tablespoon.
• Do this for one or two weeks.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is one of the effective home remedies for scabies that you should apply at home because it can help to relieve pain related to scabies. Cayenne has capsaicin, a chemical that may ease pain sensations when used on the skin^[11]. Cayenne pepper also has the ability to kill the scabies parasite thanks to its antifungal activity^[12]. Many people using the cayenne pepper to deal with scabies admitted that it helped to improve their scabies significantly.

Method 1:

• Take a bathtub filled with hot water and add one cup of cayenne pepper.
• Soak yourselves in the water until the water cools. Avoid getting the water in your eyes because it may make your eyes burn.
• Have a bath with cool water to wash out the cayenne pepper.
• Do this once every day until you recover completely from scabies.

Method 2:

• Take cayenne pepper and add some drops of water to make a paste.
• Use the paste to apply to the burrows on your skin.

Note: Don’t use this remedy for the people with overly sensitive skin.

Don’t let the water get in your eyes because it can make you burn.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric^[13] contains curcuminoids, responsible for its bright yellow, which are proven natural antioxidant properties^[14]. Also, studies have reported their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities^{[15] [16]} that are beneficial in killing the scabies parasite. Therefore, turmeric is also one of the wonderful treatments for scabies.

Method 1:

• Take one tablespoon of turmeric powder and add a few drops of lemon juice and a little water to create a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected skin and don’t wash it for about an hour.
• Wash it with warm water.
• Do this remedy once every day.

Method 2:

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric and one teaspoon of neem powder.
• Add a little water to make a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it dry naturally.
• Take a bath or wash it off when you see it has dried.
• Do this remedy once every day.

Method 3:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and some drops of neem oil.
• Mix it well to create a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it dry naturally for about an hour.
• Use a piece of cloth soaked with water to clean the dried paste.
• Take a bath or wash it off.

Method 4:

• Take half a cup of turmeric powder.
• Put it in a bowl and add some water.
• Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth.
• Boil the mixture
• Reduce the heat and wait until we have a paste
• Use the paste to apply to the affected areas.
• Do this every day until your condition has some improvements.

6. White Vinegar

White vinegar is also one of the wonderful home remedies of scabies because it has acetic acid^{[17] [18] [19]} that helps to decrease the pH level of the skin. It may greatly contribute to killing the scabies parasite.

Method 1:

• Prepare a mixture of white vinegar and fresh water in the proportion of 1:1.
• Apply the mixture to the affected area by using a cotton ball.
• Leave it for five minutes. Then, wash it off with warm water.
• Do this remedy three times every day.

Method 2:

• Use a cotton ball and soak it in undiluted white vinegar.
• Apply it to the affected area.
• Do this 3 or 4 times every day for 12 days.
• At the same time, take a bath with lukewarm water.

7. Aloe Vera

According to a study published in 2009, aloe vera had the power as the same as benzyl benzoate, a prescription treatment for treating scabies^[20]. So, we cannot deny the effect of aloe vera in healing skin disorders. Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-pesticide properties^[21], it is a wonderful ingredient for bites, wounds, and a number of skin problems. Certainly, it is one of the effective remedies for scabies.

Method 1:

• Take fresh aloe vera gel to apply to the affected areas.
• Let it be for half an hour.
• Wash it off with warm water.
• Do this at least 3 times every day.

Method 2:

• Squeeze some calendula petals and put the resulting liquid in a bowl.
• Add a handful of turmeric powder.
• Then add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in the bowl.
• Mix them thoroughly to create a thick paste.
• Use the paste to apply to the affected skin.
• Let it dry naturally.
• Do this 2 times every day.

Note: Ask for advice from your doctor if you are pregnant or a nursing mom.

8. Clove Oil

A study done in 2010 showed that clove oil had the power to kill scabies parasite^[22]. Certainly, it is one of the effective home remedies for scabies that you can apply at home easily.

Method 1:

• Mix 10 drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of each honey and coconut oil.
• Apply the mixture to the affected areas 2 times a day.

 Method 2:

• Add 7 drops of clove oil and a tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Mix thoroughly and use the mixture to apply to the affected areas.
• Do this 2 times every day.

9. Anise Seed Oil

It is a fact that you may use anise seed oil as one of the remedies for scabies. It has insecticidal and antibacterial properties that help to treat scabies effectively.

According to a review in the “Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd Edition,” anise seed oil contains insecticidal properties. You can topically apply the oil to treat scabies and head lice. Although it isn't recommended women who are pregnant to use anise seed oil, the book recommends^[23].

Directions:

• Mix 4 drops of anise seed oil, 3 drops of ylang-ylang oil, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to make a kind of cream.
• Apply the cream to the affected areas to kill scabies parasite.

10. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is also considered as one of the effective remedies for scabies. Rosemary oil has the potential power that stops the infestation of scabies. This type of oil also helps to reduce pain and prevent the development of recurring infections. According to a study in the phytotherapy research, the combination of rosemary and clove has potent antimicrobial activity^[24].

Directions:

• Create a mixture of 7 drops of rosemary oil and one tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Use the mixture to apply to the areas where there are a number of rashes.
• Do this until you see some improvement.

11. Borax And Hydrogen Peroxide

Taking a bath with borax and hydrogen peroxide is one of the wonderful remedies for scabies. Borax, a natural mineral, is nontoxic to human beings but toxic to scabies while hydrogen peroxide may help to kill microorganisms^[24]. You needn't stir hydrogen peroxide in the borax because these ingredients dissolve into the water. Also, they help to limit the occurrence of secondary infection of scabies.

Directions:

• Use a bathtub and fill it with warm water.
• Take 2 cups of borax and a cup of hydrogen peroxide to create a mixture.
• Soak yourselves in the mixture for 15 minutes.
• Follow this method at least once every day to see improvement.

12. Garlic

Garlic is a home ingredient that is available at the kitchen of all families. Garlic is considered as an antimicrobial agent^[25], which helps to eliminate scabies parasites. Garlic is an effective remedy for other parasites, including mites causing scabies. Some studies suggest that garlic helps to maintain cardiovascular health^[26], and it may reduce the healing time of common cold^[27]. Garlic is rich in antioxidants^[28] that are beneficial in fighting damage to your tissues and cells from sources of radiation and environmental toxins

Directions:

• Take some cloves of garlic  3 or 4 cloves) and squeeze it.
• Add a little water to obtain the garlic extract.
• Apply the extract to the affected areas for 3 days.

Note: Please leave the gap of 2 days before continuing applying garlic because it may make your skin burn.

13. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is also may be used as one of the effective remedies for scabies. Lavender oil, combined with other oils, is a great remedy for getting relief from scabies thanks to its antibacterial activity^[29] and it reduces the healing time of scabies^[30]. Lavender oil aids in regenerating new skin cells^[31], which is very beneficial if you are trying to eliminate parasitic mites and treat your skin quickly.

Directions:

• Take some lavender oil and drop some olive oil to it.
• Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
• Do this everyday until your condition has improved.

14. Flowers Of Sulfur & Petroleum Jelly

Through tests done, it has shown that flowers of sulfur and petroleum jelly are one of the tested home remedies of scabies in young adults and children^[32]. According to research, the application of sulfur for 7 days proved to be effective and safe in acting against emerging immature stages of mites^[33].

Directions:

• Mix flowers of sulfur and petroleum jelly. The recommended dose for children is 5% sulfur and 95% petroleum jelly; and that for adults is 10% and 90%.
• Take a bath with warm water.
• Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
• Do it before bedtime for 5 consecutive nights.

Note: Don’t swallow it.

15. Coconut, Olive, Tea Tree, Lavender, And Peppermint Oil

Combination of coconut, olive oil, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oil is also one of the powerful home remedies for scabies^[34].

Directions:

• Add the coconut oil and olive oil to a container.
• Pour 8 or 9 drops of tea tree oil, 7 drops of lavender, and 3 drops of peppermint oil to it.
• Apply the mixture to the affected areas.

16. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal mint contains more than 20 ingredients with potent antiseptic properties (thymol, menthol, beta-pinene, cineole, sabinene, etc.). In external use, pennyroyal can be used to kill scabies^[35].

Directions:

• Put pennyroyal in a cup of hot water.
• Cool it down and use the water to apply to the affected areas.

17. Mustard Oil, Neem Extract, And Turmeric

Mustard oil helps to kill the mites, causing scabies^{[34] [36]}. In addition, this oil is also the best remedy for other skin conditions such as rashes and cracked skin. Therefore, the mixture of neem extract, mustard oil, and turmeric will bring you one of the most effective home remedies of scabies.

Directions:

• Mix proper amounts of neem extract, mustard oil, and turmeric until you get a smooth paste.
• Apply the mixture to the affected areas.

V. When To See A Doctor

After applying the home remedies above, you may see improvement in your scabies condition. However, if you still suffer from the symptoms of scabies after a few weeks of treating, you should see a doctor. The doctor will give you advice and prescription.

VI. How To Prevent Scabies From Coming Back

1. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene

• Take a bath every day, maybe even more. Use coconut oil or the products made of coconut oil, or tea tree oil to clean yourself.
• Do this for 7 days.

2. Cut Your Fingernails Regularly

• Keep your fingernails short enough to prevent from the mites and their eggs hiding in your fingernails.
• After scratching your skin, wash your hands with hot water.

3. Clean Your House And Clothes

• Wash all clothes, pillows, and towels in hot water daily
• Dry clothes, pillows, and towels in direct sunlight
• Clean your floors
• Disinfect your house

4. Keep A Healthy Diet

High zinc products greatly contribute to preventing scabies. So keep a healthy diet with high zinc products will keep scabies take away from you. Here is the list of some high zinc foods that you should supplement in your diet.

• Soybeans
• Low-fat beef
• Whole Grain
• Peanuts
• Crabs
• Dark chocolate

We hope that you have gone through all of our 17 remedies for scabies that you can easily use at home. Choose some of them and alternate them in your treatment to see how effective they are. If you have any contributing ideas about our article, feel free to leave your words below this post. We will try to give feedback as soon as possible.

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