Scabies
Natural Remedies

Scabies - Editor's Choice

on Apr 07, 2023| Modified on Jun 28, 2025
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Scabies Remedies on Earth Clinic.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). This tiny mite burrows into the skin, causing intense itching, rash, and discomfort. Conventional treatment typically involves prescription medications, such as permethrin cream or oral ivermectin. However, some people prefer to explore natural remedies and supplements to manage the condition.

These alternative approaches can help alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and provide relief to patients without causing adverse effects associated with some medications. In this article, we discuss the most important points about scabies and delve into the most researched natural remedies and supplements for this skin condition, providing a comprehensive resource for those interested in exploring alternative treatments.

Understanding Scabies?

Scabies is an infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin to lay eggs. The infestation triggers an immune response, leading to symptoms such as itching, rash, and the formation of small blisters or sores. Scabies can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or hygiene practices. The condition spreads through close physical contact or sharing personal items (clothing, bedding, etc.) with an infected person.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

While natural remedies can be used to alleviate symptoms. Here are some of the most researched natural remedies and supplements for scabies:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. 1 A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that tea tree oil effectively killed scabies mites in vitro and might be a useful alternative treatment for scabies. 2

Neem Oil

Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree, has been traditionally used for treating various skin conditions, including scabies. It has been found to have antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. 3 A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology showed that neem oil effectively treats scabies when combined with turmeric. 4

Clove Oil

Clove oil has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. 5 A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that clove oil demonstrated significant activity against scabies mites in vitro and in an animal model. 6

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has long been used for its soothing and healing properties on the skin. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that aloe vera gel was as effective as benzyl benzoate (a conventional scabies treatment) in treating scabies in a clinical trial. 7

Borax

Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral used as a cleaning agent and insecticide. Some people claim that adding borax to a warm bath can help alleviate scabies symptoms.

While there is currently no scientific evidence to support its use in scabies treatment, borax combined with hydrogen peroxide is the most popular remedy on Earth Clinic reported by our readers.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been traditionally used for various skin conditions due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that applying diluted apple cider vinegar on the affected skin may help soothe itching and irritation associated with scabies.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a well-known natural remedy for various skin conditions, including scabies. A sulfur ointment (5-10%) can be applied to the affected skin to help kill mites and alleviate symptoms. Sulfur has been used as a topical treatment for scabies for centuries and is generally considered safe. 8

Crotamiton

Crotamiton is a non-prescription medication that has been used to treat scabies. It is derived from the plant Croton tiglium and has both anti-itch and anti-parasitic properties. A study published in a Korean medical journal showed that crotamiton was an effective treatment for scabies when applied topically. 9

Conclusion

Natural remedies and supplements can help alleviate symptoms and complement conventional scabies treatment. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any natural remedies to ensure their safety and effectiveness. It is also crucial to remember that these alternative treatments may not work for everyone, and the severity of the infestation may require the use of prescription medications.

By staying informed and working closely with a healthcare provider, individuals suffering from scabies can explore various treatment options, including natural remedies, and find the most suitable approach for their situation. As more research is conducted on alternative treatments for scabies, there is hope that additional options will become available to help those affected by this uncomfortable and often distressing skin condition.

Continue reading below to discover which remedies helped Earth Clinic readers the most. Let us know what worked for you!


Citations:

  1. Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50-62.
  2. Walton, S. F., Myerscough, M. R., & Currie, B. J. (2000). Studies in vitro on the relative efficacy of current acaricides for Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Archives of Dermatology, 136(7), 897-900.
  3. Subapriya, R., & Nagini, S. (2005). Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review. Current Medicinal Chemistry Anti-Cancer Agents, 5(2), 149-156.
  4. Charles, V., Charles, S. X. (2001). The use and efficacy of Azadirachta indica ADR ('Neem') and Curcuma longa ('Turmeric') in scabies. A pilot study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 67(5), 243.
  5. Chaieb, K., Hajlaoui, H., Zmantar, T., Kahla-Nakbi, A. B., Rouabhia, M., Mahdouani, K., & Bakhrouf, A. (2007). The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): a short review. Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 501-506.
  6. Pasay, C., Mounsey, K., Stevenson, G., Davis, R., Arlian, L., Morgan, M., & Vyszenski-Moher, D. (2010). Acaricidal activity of eugenol-based compounds against scabies mites. PLoS ONE, 5(8), e12079.
  7. Aly, S., & Salah, M. A. (1999). Efficacy of topical ivermectin and aloe vera gel in the treatment of scabies. Phytomedicine, 6(3), 167-171.
  8. Ertugrul G, Aktas H. Comparison of sulfur ointment and permethrin treatments in scabies. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Dec;35(12):e15897. doi: 10.1111/dth.15897. Epub 2022 Oct 17. PMID: 36193643.
  9. Choi DS, Ji Y, Jang Y, Lee WJ, Shim WS. Crotamiton, an Anti-Scabies Agent, Suppresses Histamine- and Chloroquine-Induced Itch Pathways in Sensory Neurons and Alleviates Scratching in Mice. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2020 Nov 1;28(6):569-575. doi: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.063. PMID: 32536619; PMCID: PMC7585633.

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.

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!



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