Natural Remedies for Scabies Itch Treatment in Humans

Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by tiny mites and affects individuals belonging to all races and social classes. There are two basic forms of itch mites that affect humans, namely crusted and non-crusted. While, both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies are more contagious and often affects individuals with poor immunity. Though the most commonly prescribed lotion Permethrin (5%) is effective in the management of the condition, there are certain natural remedies and home based treatments that are equally potent and associated with fewer risks.

                       

What is Scabies Itch?

 

Images of Scabies

Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabieiis extremely contagious and spreads rapidly via close physical contact. Since scabies is exceedingly transmittable, doctors advocate treatment for the entire family or contact groups to eradicate the mite completely.

There are two basic types of scabies- non crusted which is more prevalent in the regular population and crusted scabies, which affects high-risk groups, such as, those who have a chronic health condition that weakens the immune system, people in hospitals and old people. While experts suggest that both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies usually has a more severe manifestation and spreads rapidly.

 

Scabies Itch Causes

 

Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, an 8 legged mite. The female burrows underneath the skin and produces a tunnel where she deposits the eggs. The eggs hatch within 3 - 4 days, and the larvae come to the surface of the skin, where they mature and spread to other areas of the body and to other people. Close physical contact and sharing bedding and clothes with an infected person causes a spread.
 

Since the female burrows through the tunnels at night, the symptoms are typically aggravated at night.

 

Symptoms of Scabies in Humans

 

Common sites include: armpits, between fingers, inside of the wrists, inner elbow, around the waist, soles of the feet, buttocks, knees, around the breasts, scalp, and genitals. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with scabies or itch mites

• Itching is the chief symptom; it is usually intense at night. Itching occurs due to the body’s allergic response to the mites, the eggs and their waste products.
• Irregular and thin burrows made up of small blisters are present. The burrows appear in the folds of the skin.
• Severe itching may result in scratching of the skin resulting in petechia or blood spots. These sites are prone to secondary infections due to exposure.

Natural Treatment for Scabies Itch

  

The treatment comprises of eliminating the infestation with medicines. A number of lotions and creams are available which have to be applied all over the body, and left on for eight hours. Your health care professional will recommend - Permethrin 5 percent, Lindane and Crotamiton; these contain chemicals which destroy the scabies mites and their eggs. Confer with your doctor to understand what is safe for you. These drugs kill the mites rapidly; however, you may find that the itching does not stop for several weeks,

Essential Oils Help Allay
Itching Significantly

• Recent studies have shown that local application of tea tree oil is equally effective in elimination of these mites. Tea tree oil is considered to be a potent antimicrobial agent and should be applied at night, just prior to going to bed. Warm water bath with a few drops of tea tree oil can also be beneficial. Blend 5 drops of Lavender essential oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the affected area. Lavender helps ease the itching significantly, whilst Tea tree is effective in the eradication of most infectious conditions.
• Also maintain optimum skin hygiene, as this is considered to be the leading cause for the condition.
• It is essential to treat clothes and bedding of the infected individual to kill live mites as soon as medicines are administered. Wash everything in hot water and dry them well. Items that can’t be washed or dry-cleaned should be placed in a closed plastic bag for a week. In case of crusted Norwegian scabies, wash the bedding every day, also, wash the floors, walls and furniture.

 

Home Remedies to Stop Scabies in Humans

 

While treatment options are available, there are certain home remedies that can help boost the natural immunity and help deal with the condition promptly,

1. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the irritated areas of your skin; it will help reduce the discomfort and itching successfully.
2. Vitamin C supplements: consult your doctor and start a Vitamin C supplements it will help boost the working of the immune system and expedite healing.
3. Local application of turmeric powder and paste of garlic can help alleviate the inflammation and irritation. Apply the mixture to the affected site and the symptoms will get alleviated promptly.