Use Effective Natural Home Remedies for Scabies

Scabies is a skin infection. It is caused by tiny mites who infect the top layer of the skin. They burrow themselves inside the skin and lay their eggs there. Mites are parasites and live on the human blood. This results in small bumps on the skin and an itching sensation.

Mites tend to get into the skin which is thin and where less hair or no hair is present. The common places are wrists, between fingers and toes. Infants can also be affected by scabies. The microscopic mites form tiny burrows in skin causing rash and tiny red bumps. This is contagious and can be spread from one person to another easily. Scabies in animals are due to different kinds of mites.

Since scabies is contagious, it is spread through close contact or by sharing mattresses, clothes and towels. It causes a lot of itching. In fact the word scabies has been derived from a Latin word which means 'scratch'. Initially the bumps look like mosquito bites. While scratching these bumps and blisters, if the skin is injured, it might lead to another kind of infection of the skin. This can leave behind marks.

The main symptom of these small legged parasites infecting the body is the itching feeling. It gets worse at night. Heat makes the sensation worse. One may scratch more after a warm water bath. People with a weak immunity are prone to this. Old people come in this category. In some people the condition worsens and they get infected by thousands of these mites. This severe condition is known as Crusted Scabies. Mites in such large numbers are difficult to get rid of.

Medications and creams are available to kill the parasite. The itching sensation can continue even after the treatment is over. One has to be careful of re infestation of the mites. Some home remedies are known to be helpful in prevention and treatment of scabies. Some of the home remedies are:

1. Neem: Neem is an effective home remedy for any kind of skin infections. It has anti fungal and anti itching properties. Boil neem in water and strain. One can drink that water or have a bath with that water. Use neem based soap. It helps in killing of the mites.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is also very beneficial for scabies. Apply tea tree oil on the rash or add to the bath water. It helps the healing of the rashes.

3. Apricot: Apricot juice of freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the affected area.

4. Garlic: Include few cloves of garlic in your diet.

5. Juices: Drink lot of fresh fruit juices to detoxify the body.

6. Turmeric: Turmeric is work as an antiseptic. Make a paste with neem and mustard oil and apply.

7. Bitter gourd Juice: Drink bitter gourd juice to cleanse your body.

8. Calamine: Calamine may be applied to the infected area for a soothing effect.

Scabies is not a sign of bad hygiene since it is a contagious disease. It can be easily acquired by a person suffering from this disease, just by being in close contact. Stay away from infected people and avoid crowded areas. Wash all linens, covers and clothes regularly. Vacuum the rugs and carpets. Eat light healthy food and drink plenty of water. Increase your immunity.