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Scabies - Editor's Choice

on Apr 07, 2023| Modified on Oct 02, 2025
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Scabies Remedies on Earth Clinic.

That unbearable, persistent itch. That creepy-crawly sensation under your skin. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with scabies.

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrows into the top layer of your skin. While prescription medications are the standard treatment, many people seek natural remedies to help soothe symptoms and support recovery.

What Are the First Signs of Scabies?

The defining symptom of scabies is intense itching, which often gets worse at night. This itching is an allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs, and their waste under your skin.

Other common signs include:

  • A pimple-like rash
  • Tiny blisters or scales
  • Burrow tracks: small, raised, discolored lines on the skin

The rash commonly appears on the hands (especially between fingers), wrists, elbows, armpits, and along the beltline.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

Natural remedies can help manage symptoms, but they are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional to confirm you have scabies and discuss the best treatment plan. Scabies is highly contagious and requires effective treatment to be cured.

8 Researched Natural Remedies for Scabies

The following natural options have been studied for their potential to help manage scabies symptoms. Remember to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any new substance widely.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Known for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil has been shown in lab studies to kill scabies mites. Its active compound, terpinen-4-ol, is a powerful acaricide (mite-killer).

2. Neem Oil

A traditional remedy for skin conditions, neem oil contains compounds that disrupt the mite's life cycle and can help reduce inflammation. A pilot study found that a combination of neem and turmeric paste was effective in treating scabies in over 97% of cases.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil is a strong antimicrobial agent. Its main component, eugenol, has demonstrated significant activity against scabies mites in lab settings, making it a promising topical remedy.

4. Aloe Vera

Famous for its soothing properties, aloe vera can provide significant relief from the itching and irritation caused by scabies. One study found that aloe vera gel was as effective as a conventional prescription treatment (benzyl benzoate) in managing scabies.

Pro Tip: Keeping aloe vera gel in the refrigerator before applying can provide an extra cooling sensation to intensely itchy skin.

5. Sulfur

Sulfur has been used for centuries to treat scabies. Available as an ointment (typically 5-10% concentration), it works by killing the mites. It is generally considered a safe, albeit sometimes smelly, option.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

While not a cure, ACV's acidic nature may help alter the skin's pH, making it a less hospitable environment for mites. Applying diluted ACV may also help soothe itching and reduce inflammation.

7. Crotamiton

Though available as a non-prescription medication in some places, crotamiton is derived from a plant. It has both anti-itch and anti-parasitic properties, helping to relieve symptoms while fighting the infestation.

8. Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide

This combination is a popular folk remedy. Users often report relief from adding borax and hydrogen peroxide to a bath. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it may cause skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get scabies?
Scabies spreads primarily through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread, less commonly, through sharing infested items like bedding, clothes, or towels.
How long does it take for scabies to show up?
If you've never had scabies before, symptoms can take 4 to 8 weeks to appear. If you've had it before, symptoms can start in as little as 1 to 4 days.
Can scabies go away on its own?
No. Scabies will not go away without treatment. The mites will continue to reproduce under your skin, leading to a worsening infestation.

Take Control of Your Recovery

While natural remedies can be a powerful part of your plan to soothe scabies, they work best alongside a confirmed medical diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment strategy. This includes washing all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water to kill any lingering mites.

Have you tried any of these remedies? What worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below to help others on their healing journey!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Diatomaceous Earth

Posted by Anna (KY) on 04/03/2023
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I suffered with a terrible case of scabies for six weeks many years ago. After 3 dermatologists and many useless creams, I found a recommendation for food-grade DE. I cautiously applied it to my skin, careful not to inhale any dust which can be harmful to lungs and keep away from eyes. I went to sleep, wearing only the DE, on a sheet laid out on the floor (I was that exhausted from the laundry, cleaning bedding, and constantly cleaning the bed itself.) To my enormous relief, I woke up without the itching I had worried would literally drive me insane if it continued to intensify. In eight hours, I was cured, and no more scabies. Just a bit more cleaning to do, but with joy!

Vaseline +

Posted by Nina (Philippines) on 08/16/2020
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Regarding petroleum jelly for scabies posts:

Yes, you are right.

Petroleum jelly chokes these mites. Also, sulfur cream 10% works faster if u apply petroleum jelly first before the sulfur cream. It causes the sulfur to penetrate deeper.

I had a friend who was severely infested. Permethrin creams, lemon oil, tea tree oil, neem oil, you name it she used it-- No cure. It was driving her crazy n depressed.

I always have ivermectin injectable handy coz its a very convinient antiparasite meds, knocks out mites n worms etc.

We don't have access to ivermectin tablets for humans. Nothing to buy in this remote Philippine island.

So we did an experiment. We got a syringe took out 3 cc 1% ivermectin liquid from the bottle took out the needle. Then she rubbed petroleum jelly from neck down to her feet. Made it sit for a good 10 minutes. Thick amount was applied. After that drop by drop, we rubbed the ivermectin liquid from neck down.

Let it sit for 5 minutes before putting on clothes. It itched like hell! But she bravely took it, did not scratch. After about 10 minutes, the itching subsided until it was gone entirely.

She slept through the night. We left the meds there for 10 hours before washing it off. The next day the redness was gone, the rashes were dry, and her very dry skin was not so harrassed anymore. No more itching!

The treatment was repeated the next night. So two nights in a row for the first week, then once a week for 4 weeks. Scabies gone! We did pray so much that first night of treatment n expected a miracle. And a miracle she got!

We got borax n dusted it all over her house, everywhere. Sprayed lemon oil mixed wd water all over as well. Together wd the repeated laundry, cleaning etc.

She treated her place like a warzone. Always wearing pants tucked inside thick socks.

Never using clothes more than once, never sleeping on the same clothes u wore that day. Constant dryer n washing. Different shoes n slippers in her room .

Constantly rubbing petroleum jelly.

I hope this info helps. I hope all of you reading this will pray, never give up hope and expect a miracle as well. And I know you will be cured.

Borax and Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

Posted by Truemermaid (Al) on 07/01/2018
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

After one year with dealing with scabies the only thing we found to work for my husband's dry skin was Ted's remedy for pet mange. 50/50 peroxide and borax left on the skin overnight. Overnight was the key because borax bath soaks that cleared the other members of our household during reinfestations were not absolving the problem for him. Thus, every few days he would need to repeat treatment to avoid reinvesting the household. Permethrin (bought from local farm store) repelled mites from our furniture but did not kill immediately (3 days in non-humid environment). We tried both ivermectin and moxidectin however both repelled but did not eliminate the problem.

One method I found to help with clothing, especially shoes and belts, was freezing them for at least 10 minutes. Extreme changes in temperatures kill the mites but hot baths were too drying on my husband's skin and made the problem worse. His flaky dry skin was harboring the bugs and one peroxide/borax treatment overnight ended our war!

I hope this helps anyone dealing with this and know you are not dirty for keeping scabies. There is not enough information or research from the local USA doctor community to help adults with this disease.

Clove Oil

Posted by Lorisayshey (San Diego, Ca) on 08/25/2011
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

USE CLOVE OIL!!!! Only thing effective in killing the permithrin-resistant scabies. Better than anything else I've used, 90% cured after 1 week. 1 part clove oil, 3 parts coconut oil or olive oil. Leave on skill 24 hrs a day. Scabies and larvae coming to surface of skin get a taste and die, scabies burrowing into skin get a taste and it kills them in about 15 mins. Keep everything not just clean, but sanitized - 1/2 ounce clove oil in 32 ounce spray bottle and spray EVERYTHING you can every morning every night. Way to get rid of them is reduce the numbers every day, keep things clean, don't give up, be more tenatious than they are! Don't forget to pray and thank the Lord that He put it on my heart to post this to help you all!

Clove Oil
Posted by Curedmyscabies (Paterson, New Jersey) on 08/25/2011
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

HELLO EVERYONE,

I have been cured of scabies for about 4 months now and feel obliged to enlighten every suffering human being of the secret. Two Words: CLOVE OIL. It can be purchased from any type of natural food store including whole foods, or online. When using it, you should probably dilute it in another type of oil, I used jojoba oil. So probably about 1 drop of clove per 2 teaspoon of jojoba. Mix it up. Rub this mixture all over the body and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Shower and make sure you have washed all of your linens and clothes beforehand with SPECIFIC DETERGENT. BORAX. ADD at least a cup and a half of borax to each load of laundry and make sure you have cleaned everything in your home or you will be reinfected. You may feel the scabies coming out or literally freaking out on your skin, like I did. They came out of tiny wholes and pretty much looked like they were suffering and eventually stopped moving after 20 minutes which is when I showered. It took me a few times to completely get rid of them, so don't feel hopeless if it doesnt work the first time. BUT IT WORKS! It took me approximately 4-5 days to completely rid them and I'm glad I did. Hopefully you guys will take my advice and no longer suffer. G-d Bless!

Diatomaceous Earth

Posted by Alice (Odessa, Texas) on 02/13/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Diatomaceous cured my scabies : After being diagnosed w/scabies and given Permethrin, which made me very ill, I tried Neem,tea tree oil,kerocene! all kinds of things till I remembered I had Diatomaceous Earth DE fossil Shell Flour ( food grade ) in my house ,I used to use it on my cats for fleas until switching to a topical for less trouble.I decided to completely dust my enviroment and body w/ it to see if that worked! DE kills mites of all kinds by acting like ground glass inside them destroying their innards, but is safe to humans and pets, make sure you get the FOOD GRADE and not the one for pool filters which is dangerous! Get a large winter type sock with loose weave, fill it w/ the fossil flour and walk your house patting it, you will see it clouding and falling to the floor, use on furniture and any places you freguent often, like your PC. I dusted my comforter on both sides good, to keep from washing it all the time! Same for pillows although mine are in sealed garbage bags. Last try to keep yourself dusted from scalp to soles of feet for at least a week,a ll crawling sensations will disappear along with biting, from here on in I'm keeping my house dusted as the fine film blends in on carpet and furniture, in case of other types of mites. Neem is still a good shampoo additive, one dropper full to your handful of regular shampoo,well Good luck to all.


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