Scabies: Natural Treatment Ideas
Scabies is another skin condition that can cause intense itching and redness, but unlike eczema which is usually caused by an allergy, scabies is occurs when the skin has been infested with scabies mites (sarcoptes scabiei). These little critters burrow under your skin and lays eggs which mature in around 21 days.
If you discover that you have scabies then you will need to get it treated immediately before it gets worse. It is also highly contagious and can spread quickly which is why you should aim to treat your whole family at the same time whether they show symptoms or not.
How do you know you have scabies?
The main symptoms are a intense itching that is often worse at night. The rash appears as a cluster of red blisters and bumps and you can often notice what looks like burrows or tracks on your skin.
It appears most often where the skin folds together such as between fingers, the torso area, wrists, feet, knees, buttocks and even genital region, however it can also appear on the face, neck and scalp, especially in children.
Natural Treatments and at Home Remedies
You can lessen the pain and itching by applying a cool damp washcloth to the irritated areas. Calamine lotion is also very good at reducing the itching pain. You may also take an antihistamine to help lesson symptoms.
There are also many natural scabies treatments that can help eliminate mild outbreaks, but if you have severe itching or the home remedies do not seem to be working then please visit your doctor.
For early elimination you want to find oils and lotions that are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Many essential oils fall into that category such as peppermint or tea tree essential oil. Aloe vera is also shown to be effective. Another herb that is well renowned for clearing scabies is Margosa. While it can be difficult to find, Oil of Margosa is reported to be very effective.
Another popular oil for getting rid of scabies is Neem oil and also turmeric powder (both are included as part of the Indian system of medicine)
Medical Treatment
If you would prefer to get treatment from your doctor, they will usually prescribe oral medication to help boost your immune system and a cream such as Elimite or Acticin which you apply to your entire body. These creams are effective at killing the scabies mites but you may notice that you will continue to itch for some time later.
