How To Treat Scabies Naturally

Scabies is a type of contagious skin infection caused by a type of mite. Scabies is characterized by intense itching, unrelenting skin irritation and tiny skin papules. The mite responsible for causing scabies is known as sarcoptes scabeii. Scabies is often mistaken for pimples, mosquito bites and, most recently, bed bug bites. If you have an irritating skin infection, check for these common characteristics of a scabies outbreak: tiny, pimple-like bumps; sores caused by incessant itching, rashes, especially on your wrists, between fingers, on the elbow, knee, shoulder blades, breasts or genitals; intense itching and lack of sleep due to skin discomfort.

Some of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat scabies include permethrin, lindane and malathion. Permethrin is extremely toxic to pets and can have neurotoxic effects on humans. The World Health Organization classifies lindane as potentially, acutely toxic. Continual exposure to and absorption of malathion can impair memory.

Getting rid of scabies naturally is non-toxic and won’t cause harm to your pets. Balsam of Peru is an essential oil derived from South and Central American trees used as a topical antiseptic applied externally to your skin. Balsam of Peru, available over-the-counter at health food stores, works like an antimicrobial and eases skin irritation and itching. Combine between 30 and 40 drops to a 10 percent sulfur ointment and apply at bedtime. Cajeput, an oil derived a native Australian tree, is an herbal scabies remedy. Combine from two to five drops of cajeput oil with a topical, over-the-counter ointment to relieve skin irritation associated with scabies. Camphor, a scabies counterirritant, is a pale-colored, waxy substance that is very aromatic. It is derived from the wood of an Asian evergreen tree. Combine a few drops of camphor oil and coconut oil and apply to affected areas.

Because scabies is contagious, in order to prevent getting re-infected, you need to be sure that everyone in your home scabies free, even if they do not show symptoms. It’s not unusual for some people to exhibit few or no symptoms from a scabies infection. While the natural remedies used for treating scabies is safe, you may want to check with your pediatrician before applying to the skin of a young child. There are no scabies vaccinations.