Home Remedies for Scabies

Scabies rash is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into your skin and cause itching and discomfort and the female mites lay eggs under the skin. A few days later, the eggs hatch, move to the skin surface and begin the cycle again. Scabies can cause:

• rashes
• skin discoloration
• blisters

A scabies infection will not go away without treatment, and it’s highly contagious.

Many traditional treatments for scabies can cause side effects. If the mites develop resistance to these treatments, some infections do not respond to them. Some people decide to use natural home remedies to treat scabies.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any medical concerns, please check with your doctor before using any remedies.

Tea tree oil may be an effective topical treatment for scabies since it relieves itching and heals the rash on the skin. However, it doesn’t work as well on the eggs deeper in the skin. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a squirt bottle and spray it on your bedding.

A 2022 review of studies suggests that tea tree oil is a promising treatment option for scabies, especially for cases that do not improve using typical treatments.

Though tea tree oil may effectively treat scabies in lab tests and in people, more large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed. It is possible to be allergic to tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is:

• antibacterial
• anti-inflammatory
• acaricidal (able to kill mites)
• antipruritic (relieves itching)

However, some people may develop allergic reactions to tea tree oil or other side effects. If you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using the product.

Neem oil, soaps, and creams can be useful alternative treatments for scabies. They have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.

Neem, at concentrations of 20% to 60%, can weaken the exoskeleton of scabies mites.

A 2021 study in pigs found that neem cured pigs of a scabies infection in 6 weeks, compared to 5 weeks with a conventional treatment.

Further studies are needed on humans and using larger sample sizes.

Aloe vera gel has a soothing, healing effect on sunburned skin. It can also alleviate itching and kill scabies. An older 2009 study found that aloe vera gel was as successful as benzyl benzoate (a common prescription treatment) in treating scabies. Researchers did not note any side effects.

This small study tested only 16 people with aloe vera, so larger sample sizes are needed. If you use aloe vera gel, ensure you’re buying pure aloe vera gel without additives.

Cayenne pepper may relieve scabies pain. Some believe it can also kill the scabies mites, but scientific evidence is lacking.

The capsaicin in cayenne desensitizes the skin’s neurons when applied topically.

However, always do a skin patch test before use. Some people may develop skin reactions.

Clove oil has antimicrobial, anesthetic, and antioxidant properties that contribute to its healing potential.

It’s also an effective insecticide. A 2022 review of research notes that clove oil is effective in killing scabies and other mites, referencing laboratory tests that used scabies from pigs. Eugenol, a significant component of clove essential oil, can damage scabies mites’ exoskeleton and gut.

However, more human studies are needed to demonstrate the full potential of these oils.

Though more research is needed, the following essential oils may help treat scabies:

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

The scabies mite can survive up to four days without a human host, so it is important to treat your home to prevent re-infestation.

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

You should seal Items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for at least three days.

If multiple people live in a home where an infection occurs, everyone should follow the same cleaning routine, regardless of whether they have scabies bites.

Do not expect to get rid of scabies rash immediately. It will take some time, and the itching may persist after as the rash starts to heal.

However, you may need to see a doctor if you still have symptoms after a few weeks of treatment.

A skin test can determine whether you have scabies. Your doctor may prescribe a cream to treat scabies. More serious cases may require prescription pills.

What is the fastest home remedy for scabies?

Research suggests that tea tree, neem, and clove oil may be effective in treating scabies, as they can damage the mites. However, they may not be effective for eggs deep in the skin.

Can I treat myself for scabies?

You may be able to treat scabies with home remedies, such as certain diluted essential oils, or over-the-counter medications. But if these remedies do not work, you may need doctor-prescribed medications to help you clear the infection.

What household cleaner kills scabies?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can kill scabies on bedding and clothing by washing them in hot water (122°F or 50°C) and drying them in a hot dryer.

Will vinegar kill scabies?

Evidence does not suggest that vinegar can effectively kill scabies mites. To kill scabies mites on fabrics, you can wash them in hot water (122°F or 50°C) and dry them in a hot dryer.

To kill scabies mites on the skin, you can try over-the-counter medications, doctor-prescribed medications, or certain diluted essential oils, such as tea tree oil.

Scabies does not heal overnight. Your skin may feel itchy until the rash heals and you complete treatment for the infection.

Some essential oils, particularly tea tree, neem, and clove essential oils, may help treat a scabies infection. If your infection does not clear up, it’s best to talk with a doctor about medical treatments, including topical and oral medications that may help.

Cleaning clothing, bedding, and mattresses may also help prevent re-infection.