Find care near me 
Key Points
- Scabies is a skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite, leading to an itchy rash and small blisters.
- The disease can be contracted through direct contact with an infected person or shared items, and is common in crowded places.
- Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and small, raised bumps on the skin.
- Home remedies like tea tree oil, neem oil, and aloe vera can help alleviate symptoms, but cannot clear the infection.
- Deep cleaning of personal belongings and surroundings can prevent the spread of scabies, but avoidance of contact with infected individuals or items is the only sure prevention method.
Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabies, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Sarcoptes Scabiei mite can burrow into the skin and lay eggs—causing an itchy rash and small blisters.
You can get scabies by direct contact with an infected person, according to the Mayo Clinic. The mites can also be transmitted through shared clothing, bedding, or towels. Crowded living conditions and places where lots of people spend time raises your risk of coming in contact with scabies. According to Medical News Today, this includes places like:
- Schools
- Daycares
- Prisons
- Locker rooms
- Rehab facilities
- Nursing homes
Symptoms of Scabies
The most common symptom of scabies is itching—especially at night, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also note that other symptoms include:
- Small, raised bumps or blisters on the skin
- Thin, wavy lines on the skin (caused by the mite burrowing)
Most often, scabies are found in the folds of the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are the most common places to find scabies:
- Between the fingers and toes
- In the armpits
- Around the waist
- Along the insides of the wrists
- On the inner elbows
- On the soles of the feet
- On the chest
- Around the nipples
- Around the belly button
- Around the genitals
- In the groin area
- On the buttocks
Home Remedies For Scabies
Being infected with scabies usually requires medical treatment, according to Medical News Today. However, some home remedies may help ease some of your symptoms and help you get better faster.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for scabies because it can help relieve itching and may also help clear up the rash that accompanies scabies, according to Healthline. It won’t, however, work to kill any eggs, so it can’t be trusted to clear the infection, they note. Healthline recommends that you add a few drops of tea tree oil to a squirt bottle and spray it on your bedding.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil is used in soaps and creams as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic (pain reliever), according to Healthline. This makes it a great choice when dealing with scabies, as it can help with the itching and rash.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural remedy that can help soothe the skin and reduce itching, according to Healthline. They note that in a very small study, aloe vera proved successful in treating scabies. Although more evidence is needed, they say aloe vera is a great supplement to your scabies treatment.
4. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has been used to relieve itching and pain, according to Healthline. However, it has not shown to be effective in killing the mites. If you want to try this remedy to help with itching, they recommend testing on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil has been tested on animals with scabies and showed positive results for being an effective treatment, according to Medical News Today. There are no studies involving humans, but it may be a good choice for some people.
6. Turmeric
There is no evidence that turmeric will kill scabies mites, but some people claim that it helps with the symptoms, according to Medical News Today.
7. Deep Cleaning
Keeping your home and personal belongings clean can help prevent scabies from spreading, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that if you are experiencing a scabies infestation you should:
- See a healthcare provider for proper medication to eradicate the scabies
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery
- Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the mites
When to see a Doctor for Scabies
A scabies infestation requires medical treatment to kill the eggs. This can be accomplished with a prescription cream or pill according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re not sure when to see a doctor, consider these recommendations from Medical News Today—they recommend seeing a doctor if:
- You have a rash and don’t know why
- You have symptoms of scabies
- You know you have come in contact with someone who has scabies
How to Prevent Scabies
The only way to prevent scabies is to avoid contact with an infested person or with items that may have the mites, according to the CDC.
How to Treat Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite and is most common in crowded living conditions or in places where a lot of people gather regularly. A scabies infestation always requires medical treatment, but there are some things you can do at home to help your symptoms, including:
- Spraying tea tree oil on your bedding and towels
- Using aloe vera or neem oil on affected areas of skin
- Deep cleaning your home
You should see a doctor if you have symptoms of scabies or know that you have come in contact with someone who has them.
Frequently asked questions
What causes scabies?
Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes Scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and lays eggs.How is scabies contracted?
Scabies can be contracted through direct contact with an infected person or shared items. It's particularly common in crowded places like schools and nursing homes.What are the symptoms of scabies?
Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, especially at night, and small, raised bumps on the skin.Can home remedies cure scabies?
No, home remedies like tea tree oil, neem oil, and aloe vera can help alleviate symptoms, but they cannot clear the infection as they do not kill the mite eggs.How can the spread of scabies be prevented?
Deep cleaning of personal belongings and surroundings can help prevent the spread of scabies. However, avoiding contact with infected individuals or items is the most effective prevention method.Should I seek medical help if I have symptoms of scabies?
Yes, if symptoms persist or if there has been contact with an infected person, it is advised to seek medical help.Can scabies be prevented?
The only sure way to prevent scabies is by avoiding contact with infected individuals or items.
LinkedIn
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
