Your skin is the biggest organ of your body. It gets infected, bruised and wounded, as it comes in contact with harmful external factors and shields your internal organs. Many times, skin infections get transmitted from one person to another by mere touch, therefore, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread. Here, we are going to provide you genuine, helpful advice on how to treat scabies at home. But, let us first explain what scabies is.
Scabies is a common skin eruption that causes extreme itching and is contagious. It is caused by parasitic mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow their way into one’s skin tissues and lay eggs there, which later multiply. The mites release toxins, which lead the superficial layer of your skin to erode, thereby prompting uneasy sensations. Red patches and small blisters form on the surface of the skin, mainly in between your fingers, on your wrists, elbows, armpits, side of the fingers, ankles, hands or feet, causing irritation and itching.
Scabies is not a result of improper personal hygiene or dirtiness. It is often confused with other skin problems, such as eczema or different bacterial infections, as they do tend to appear alike. The skin irritation caused by scabies is likely to heighten at night, disrupting normal sleep patterns, or when you’re feeling warm, i.e. after an exercise, shower or bath. Here are a few effective home remedies to help you get rid of scabies.
1. Remove the Infected Person’s Clothing and Bedding
Since scabies is highly contagious, the first and foremost step would be to isolate the infected person’s clothing and bedding from the rest of the family members. Now, wash all the items (utensils, clothing, etc.) in boiled water and keep them for drying out in the sun.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, which kills the parasitic mites and aids faster healing. Directly apply tea tree oil over the infected area to fight scabies naturally. It is highly recommended by doctors.
3. Neem
Neem is a widely used natural remedy that cures scabies. Mix some neem extract with warm water and bathe with it. You can also use neem oil, if you do not wish to use neem extract. Bathe twice a week with warm water to heal scabies within weeks.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric, when combined with neem, also becomes an effective home remedy for treating scabies. It kills bacteria and mites. Mix neem extract and turmeric powder to create a paste. Now, apply it over the affected area and let it stay for an hour. Then, rinse well.
5. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera herb has natural medicinal properties that can be used to treat a number of skin diseases. Apply the pulp of fresh aloe vera on your skin for getting relief from scabies.
6. Paste of Aloe Vera, Turmeric and Calendula
All the three ingredients have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, which are of great help in fighting infections. Pound some calendula petals and add a pinch of turmeric powder. Now, extract some gel from a fresh aloe vera plant and blend it in. When you have achieved the desired consistency, apply this paste on the scabies affected skin for a long term relief.
7. Zinc Tablets
Grind a few zinc tablets into fine powder and mix it with water. Now apply this paste to the irritated skin areas. You can also mix turmeric with it to get relief from itching.
There are many effective over-the-counter medicines available that are useful for treating the infection, caused by scabies. If the itching and redness persists, it is best advised to consult a doctor. Here are some other tips that you must keep in mind, when under the spell of this condition.
- Mites might re-infest after the treatment, therefore, it is important to keep your surroundings clean. Make sure that the floors, rugs and carpets of your house are vacuumed and cleaned properly. Dispose all the contents used by the patient in a trash and throw them outside your house.
- While stripping beds, wear disposable gloves to prevent further infection.
- Eggs hatch after every 2 and half days. So, if you notice any new bumps on your skin, it might indicate that they are still breeding and you haven’t been cured of the infection.
- All the house members must be treated for the infection as it is most likely to spread to all.
- Recommended Diet- The infected person should not eat any junk food or dairy product. Instead, he/she should increase the intake of foods that are rich in zinc, like sunflower seeds, wheat bran, whole grain products, blackstrap molasses or soybeans.
- Do not scratch and keep your nails short.
