Natural Remedies for Scabies: 8 Options for Itch Relief

From the Book: Annual and Analytical Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine Volume 2, by Charles Eucharist de Medicis Sajous · 1898

Sulfur is the cure for scabies! Into a small bowl I mixed four level tablespoons of yellow sulfur powder with about three tablespoons of baby oil until smooth and then I added one large 15 oz plastic jar of Vaseline or some call it petroleum jelly and I stirred this together very well with a small spoon. When it was well Incorporated I put it back into the Vaseline plastic container and yes it all fit nicely. I set this on my bathroom sink and twice a day morning and night I smeared this on my body and rubbed it in well. I even put it in my hair and covered my pillow with the towel so I wouldn't stain it and slept very well that night, no itches no crawling. The next morning I took a shower with sulfur bar soap and even my hair. I had to wash my hair several times and yes it was a gooey mess but who cares as long as it's killing these things right? This stuff works miracles and from then on I've put it on twice a day and it said to do it for one week. You do not have to wash it off only once a day if you feel like it and I think this was key into killing them bastards. I kept myself covered with it and yes you can leave the house and you can't see it on you nor did I smell it. Anyway this stuff will kill it and this is how you make a sulfur ointment. That's what this stuff is called. Before that I used body lotion with the sulfur but it did not work the same as using Vaseline and it did not kill them therefore this is why I went to making the sulfur ointment using Vaseline. Just makes your skin feel great also.

1. Sulphur – One of the leading Medicines for Scabies One of the most prescribed medicines for scabies is Sulphur. The symptoms to look out for include intense itching and scratching which worsen with washing and heat, especially during the night. The condition is characterized by unhealthy skin with pimply eruptions which are painfully sensitive to air, wind, and washing. Washing.

2. Causticum – Most Effective Remedy for Scabies Causticum is one of the most well-indicated medicines for scabies. Scabies, especially in the folds of the skin and between the thighs, responds well to Causticum. Causticum is also one of the best medicines for scabies with intense itching and scratching in the finger webs, leading to great soreness. Burning, rawness and soreness are the key symptoms to look out for in scabies cases where Causticum will prove effective.

3. Sepia – Top Remedy for Scabies Sepia is one of the most effective medicines for scabies cases where a person complains of itching vesicles not relieved by scratching. The skin turns pinkish from scratching. The condition gets worse in the open air while the person feels better in a warm room. Scabies which is present mostly at the bends of the elbows and knees and where scratching does not provide any relief is also treated well with Sepia, making it a popular prescription among Homeopathic medicines for scabies.

4. Arsenic Album – Top rated among Medicine for Scabies Scabies with violent itching along with great restlessness is treated well with medicine Arsenic Album. The skin peels off in large scales and is very sore to touch in such cases. Dry, rough, scaly, dirty skin like parchment burns intensely. Over-sensitiveness of the skin with acute itching and burning is observed in cases where Arsenic Album will prove the most effective among medicines for scabies. The person is unable to sleep due to violent itching in the affected areas.

5. Kali Sulphuricum – Excellent Remedy for Scabies Kali Sulphuricum is considered one of the most suitable medicines for scabies cases where the symptoms include dry and harsh skin with extreme itching. Peeling and flaking of the skin are observed. Kali Sulphuricum is one of the best medicines for removal of scabs (desquamation of the skin) after skin infections. Scabies that worsens with heat is also treated well with Kali Sulphuricum, rating it among the best medicines for scabies.

6. Psorinum – Effective Remedy for Scabies Psorinum is another of the most prescribed medicines for scabies. It has shown the most remarkable results in case of unhealthy skin with an abnormal tendency to skin diseases. In such cases, the person complains of intolerable itching which gets worse from lying in bed. In fact, so severe is the itching that the person scratches until the skin starts to bleed. Psorinum is the best treatment option among medicines for scabies with dirty, rough, scabby, greasy skin along with violent itching.

How to take homeopathic remedies and the dosage: browse posts here on EC.

Neem is effective against bugs. Warning it is stinky so use a shampoo with scent. I use a natural citrus shampooo as citrus oils are anti bug.

Additonally take neem capsules. The oil is toxic internally but not capsules. Also buy d-limonene capsules. Orange oil is used against bugs. I used both of these recent bout of some kind of mite and eradicated problem.

You can also try Diatomaceous earth. Use as a mud pack on scalp. Most bugs hate it. You can also dust your scalp with it, then wear a shower cap over it at night.

I also found dog shampoos with Peroxide, Micronized Sulfur and Salicylic Acid very effective. I used one from Pet MD. It is unscented, and gets into hair follicles and scalp well! With shampoos you can add neem, tea tree, sulphuric etc. leave on as long as you can then rinse.

I have researched and would be open at this point to prescription medications, but most resources state that complete recovery is not often achieved even with repeated doses and I am not willing to use pesticides without the guarantee or even a high chance of success. Please help us find a way to put this misery behind us; we welcome any advice, tips and hope from your own similar experiences.

I tried the Hydrogen Peroxide/Bleach/Water bath. That was good.

But I really started to notice improvement after spraying the quarter-sized rash (with several tiny, satellite bumps) with bleach/water (1 part bleach, 1 part water). The rash was on the inner wrist, where you feel your pulse.

Spraying it with the diluted bleach always made the itching go away (I don't know how). After a couple days, I saw visible improvement. I thought it might have been my imagination, but I was pretty sure it was diminishing. Now I'm absolutely sure it's diminished, because I can barely see it anymore.

Many reviewers here have recommended washing everything in sight...washing clothes, etc. I washed my clothes and sheets once, and tried to clean up the place some, but I honestly don't think it's crucial.

I understand the constant itching drives you mad, so you probably overreact and spray every inch with bleach. And I suppose that's a good thing, but in my experience, treating the affected area is good enough.

Maybe a bleach/water bath also, just so you get every inch of your body...after all, Scabies can only thrive on the human body.

I am SO glad this is gone. I was staying inside almost every day because it was disgusting...looked like a cluster of miniature grapes. When I went out to run errands, I wrapped bandages around it...couldn't see the rash, but then I looked like a suicide victim.

dyna gro neem oil hot baths, kleen free spraying after baths, tea tree oil or kleen free dabs on itching

1 use linens, towels, clothes and extra 30 minutes in dryer for wet laundry; only 30 minutes for clean laundry/ linens (takes 20 minutes high heat to kill the mite and dryer cools down the last 10 minutes of cycle).mite proof mattress and pillow encasements- Bedical brand

massive cleaning of course, storing lots of extra things especially fabrics, dehumidifier especially in the storage room,

after treating for a couple of weeks and extremely dry skin (humidity keeps them alive so didn't want any lotion) started using grape seed oil with tea tree oil after bath and continued with kleen free spot spraying through day. This and the guided imagery was such a relief.

** Listened to guided imagery- was critical for resilience and physical healing- I fell asleep to it- free at kp.org/listen podcasts for immune system, stress, pain, sleep.

steam cleaning (a real hot steam cleaner, not just hot water), carpets and upholstered furniture, dunked the cat in a Kleen free bath (which she took in stride, pets can carry them like a rug even though the mites don't bite them) and DE powder (with masks because of superfine powder can aggravate breathing even though it's non toxic) on carpets and places we couldn't steam clean right before leaving for vacation for a week (I believe I was scabies free by then and just suffering from side effects of Rx, super hot drying baths, etc, but brought new mattress encasement and my own bedding, furniture covers and cleaned with kleen free)

also used sulfur and mineral soap and shampoo on myself and son, but not sure how they figured into cure

I'm very fortunate to have been able to afford all these things, and lucky our vacation timed with needing to get out of the house. If you can't do all of these I'd say to: use clothes and linens once only before cleaning or drying, 30 minutes drying already dry linens and clothes, storage of extra things, dusting and vacuuming your butt off, kleen free and dehumidifyer, and the Free guided imagery. Tea tree oil hot baths (Radha is good quality and value on amazon) and sulfur soap worked for my son but not me. I also drank Lots of water and more veggies, vitamin C

sending love and wishing you and yours health and comfort

Google "Turpentine scabies" and you'll find a lot of information on the use of turpentine "baths" to kill the little critters. Caution; only one cap full in a whole bath. More as you can learn to tolerate higher doses. Also google "healing with Turpentine tony pantalleresco youtube" and he has an extensive description of the very old medicinal uses of turpentine...uses that go back a hundred years.

Also there is a powerful substance you can use on the skin called Cedarcide made in Texas that kills about anything but won't hurt a person or animal. Apply to skin and I bet it would work on mites too. It will on larger mites, so why not the microscopic ones?

Sorry to hear about your skin condition. Unfortunately, this situation has become quite widespread in the U.S. and most do not know the symptoms or the various clinical presentations, including most doctors.

There is also a form of scabies going around that looks like a fine, white, scaly sheen on the skin that gradually spreads and eventually forms reddish/purple areas of infection.

Being that this condition is highly contagious (many pick it up in the hospitals of all places) I think everyone should be practicing "preventive hygiene" with regards to this and other skin issues. Many people pick this up from shopping carts, sitting on furniture, petting an animal, etc.

Below is an outline for a standard treatment for crusted and other forms of scabies. you can also look at all the other effective treatments used on EarthClinic - there are many.

For your situation, you would probably want to wear gloves after applying any topicals for the day. And, being that there is already an infection, you might want to seriously consider using EmuaidMax as part of your topical treatment since is it highly effective for a variety of skin infections.

"Daily Topical Frequency" will be key for your healing as well as treating your environment and immune system.

TREATMENTS THAT WORK

Successful treatment must be multi-faceted to "kill" the infection permanently on the body and in the environment, this includes:

1. Total environment treatment - this is how most people become reinfected on a daily basis.

2. Complete Skin treatment - most treatments are not long enough &/or thorough enough. And, many products are not effective.

3. Immune system treatment - very important to strengthen; add in supplements; diet (organic, no sugar, etc); probiotics; etc.

4. Treat other people/animals in your environment - a source of reinfection.

TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL TREATMENT

Disinfect (kill microbes & mite) everything in your "total" environment that you touch: e.g, backpack, computer, car, home, work place, anything you frequently touch, clothes, purses, belts, shoes and shoe laces, washing machine, dryer, seat belt, surfaces, furniture, electrical switches, door knobs, cabinets, cabinet knobs, many other objects you touch, countertops, floors, pets, clothes, gas station hose handles, kitchen appliances, faucets, grocery cart handle, all door knobs, other people, etc..

Many forget one or two significant items/objects which recontaminate them (e.g., seat belt, purses, computer, belts, coats, pet, Gas Station Hose handles, grocery carts, door knobs, couch, another persons clothes, etc).

Use "killing" agents to spray/soak/disinfect your total environment. Some effective anti-scabies-mite killing agents include: Enzyme sprays (non-toxic, e.g. Kleen Green and many others), Benefect, 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (very toxic, damages wood, only use for non-precious surfaces to save money), CedarCide, Clove Essential Oil spray, etc... Google.

Safe Rooms - start disinfecting the most important rooms (bathroom, bedroom then kitchen) and move out from there.

When you return to your newly made "safe" room(s) make sure to spray yourself (clothes/hands) so that you do not recontaminate the safe environment. Or, wear gloves in these areas and replace clothing. Or, can use shoe covers, gloves and an "overall suit" when you treat contaminated areas so that you don't re-contaminate your clothes, shoes and body and "safe" rooms.

Laundry - purchase "scabies" killing agents to add to wash water, NSF Bleach (safer bleach, less toxic - Dr Hulda Clark), Enzyme products, Cedarcide, etc... Soak clothes in one of these agents for 1 hour prior to adding to washer (in a plastic bin). Don't forget to disinfect washing machine and dryer. Dry clothes for one hour on high.

One of the most helpful and versatile tools is an enzyme spray. Overtime, when applied throughout the day to the skin (rub it in), it can get rid of the infection. It kills the surface organisms on the skin so that you do not recontaminate anything - lasts for a couple hours. Some people have soaked their feet, hands, etc in concentrated enzyme solution to get rid of their infection. And, it is a great non-toxic spray to kill the organism in the environment, clothes, etc.

COMPLETE SKIN TREATMENT

Use several skin treatments at the same time and be sure to use them for at least 1-3 months as you clean your environment: skin topical, skin prep, daily frequency, internal skin treatment (ivermectin, immune system, diet) and "longer" duration of treatment.

TOPICAL

Compounded Ivermectin Cream: 3% Ivermectin + 10% DMSO + Versabase. Very effective. Apply to clean skin 3-6x/day, rub in very well. Kills all surface organisms.

EmuAid MAX: rub very, very well into clean skin, 4-6x/day. You do not need much. This is VERY effective and non-toxic. It also kills the eggs overtime. Ingredients include: emu oil, tea tree oil, silver, ceramides, etc...

Sulfur Creams: many good ones. Must be minimum 10% sulfur. DIY: 75% flower of sulfur powder, 15% 100% gum turpentine oil, 10% raw shea butter or raw neem oil or coconut oil. Can vary the ratios. THIS IS A VERY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT & TIME TESTED FOR 100 of YEARS. A ready made sulfur cream that works very well on all scabies is NuStock though, it contains petroleum-based oil.

The physician-based sulfur treatment of old was 3 steps, using: 10% sulfur/salicylic cream 2-4x/day, 10% sulfur/salicylic soap treatment 2x/day (in shower or bath) along with effective environmental cleaning.

Essential Oils & Creams - essential oils that kill scabies: clove, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, etc. Neem oil is also used to kill scabies. CAUTION: be sure to test any oil you use on a small area first to ensure you are not allergic or hypersensitive to any oil!

Good Recipes: use peppermint oil straight (with no dilution), it kills the organism, the larvae and eggs. Or, mix it with "real" tea tree oil from Australia. If skin is sensitive to this, use raw neem oil, raw shea butter or coconut oil to dilute with.

Clove essential oil 30 drops + Peppermint essential oil 20 drops + Raw Shea Butter 1-2+ tablespoons (depending on your sensitivity), mix well. Apply 3-6x/day.

SKIN PREP

"Prepping" the skin before applying a treatment often works better to clear the infection more quickly (allows better exposure to treat the organism, removes biofilm/dirt/fungus, "kills" the superficial layer of organisms) .

Can prep the skin in various ways: spraying on non-toxic alcohol or witch hazel (e.g., organic grain alcohol - can add orange and/or lavender essential oil); washing with baking soda/borax/H2O2 then rinsing with vinegar; or apply orange essential oil mixed with a light carrier.

THE BEST SKIN PREP & EVEN COMPLETE TREATMENT:

Use 10% sulfur soap with 3% Salicylic Acid - this is the most common/effective skin prep for scabies and can even effectively treat the condition.

Instructions: soak soap in hot water for 5-10 minutes, lather the soap VERY WELL until it forms a very rich lather, then apply to the skin, rub in very well, entire body, leave on for 10-15 minutes (keeping it moist). Rinse. Repeat. Ideally, do this twice daily. Air dry.

Some have reported using a salt/sulfur/salycilic acid soap works wonders.

Another "cheaper" skin prep/treatment remedy that works is soaking in a salt bath for 1 hour a day (or, two, 30 minute sessions), for a minimum 3 weeks. Add 5 lbs salt to a hot bath, dissolve. Can add other "anti-mite" ingredients if you want to (sulfur, borax, H2O2, lavender essential oil, tea tree essential oi, homeopathics).

Then, apply topical treatments.

IMMUNE SYSTEM & SKIN INTERNAL

Important to eat a healthy diet

Take immune building supplements

May need to take oral Ivermectin or another oral anti-mite medication or herbal treatment.

Very important to "alkalize" an overly acidic system (lemon juice and baking soda, 2x/day) and to "detox" (daily ChlorEnergy tablets, activated charcoal/bentonite clay capsules, raw sauerkraut, fulvic/humic acid, etc.).

Eat high health protein, healthy fats, organic, no sugars/simple carbs, no gluten or dairy (for a while at least), try grain-free diet, etc.

PETS

Mite Shampoo every other day, weekly.

May need to take an oral anti-mite med like Ivermectin & build up their immune system.

Wash/treat pet bed frequently. Do not let pets sleep with you.

Frequently spray pet with enzyme spray or rub in diatomaceous earth.

MULTI-PRONGED TREATMENTS THAT WORKED FOR PEOPLE I KNEW THAT HAD WHAT YOU DESCRIBE:

* Used a good enzyme spray for treating entire environment, soaked laundry in it for 1 hour (or soaked with Cedarcide), and sprayed their body with it multiple times a day. Carried an enzyme spray bottle with them at all times and treated their hands frequently throughout the day, sprayed grocery carts or used protection, etc.

* Used sulfur soap protocol (discussed above).

* Treated their pets with mite shampoo and Ivermectin if possible.

* Applied either 3% Ivermectin or EmuaidMax cream, 2-4x/day, to entire body or areas of infection and beyond.

* A couple also took oral Ivermectin, 12 mg, 2-4x/day, for a month. See your physician. Take with food/fat.

* Healthy diet & took immune supplements like Colostrum from NZ; Vitamins - C/D3/K/A/E/Zn/Mg/BComplex; minerals, ChlorEnergy; Ayurvedic Herbs; etc.

KEY: NO STRESS - they simply "did" the treatments as they were able to without "stressing" about it, knowing it WILL eventually work. They progressed slowly with the various environmental treatments and added in other treatments as they were able. After 1-6 months, their infections completely disappeared and did not return. KNOW THAT THIS CAN BE RESOLVED, MANY HAVE DONE IT.

NOTE: there are many VERY EFFECTIVE, HOMEOPATHIC topical (creams, soap, sprays) and oral treatments that work well!

Wishing you a VERY effective and "quick" resolution!

Sherri

I too thought I had scabies and for three months spent a fortune trying to clean everything, and washing sheets and everything I touched continuously. I went to the hospital twice and my doctor and they all said I had scabies. After three months of this and treating it with the prescription they gave me. I also read on Earth Clinic the accounts of others plagued with this horrible curse. I finally went to the hospital again and told them if they could not get rid of this thing that I was going to have a breakdown. The doctor that saw me said that he thought that I did not have scabies and sent me to a dermatologist.The dermatologist told me I did not have scabies...I had eczema. He gave me a prescription of a cortisone type cream and in 4 days all my symptoms were gone. I have never had any kind of experience like that again. Before you have to move go to a dermatologist first. My heart and prayers are with you.

That's what I'm hearing from those who use it. One farm guy cuts it out of the tube it comes in, mixes it with mineral oil, and uses it as a spray on his livestock for anything having to do with the skin. Cuts, scrapes, rashes, bald spots and hot spots, mites, mange and fleas on his dogs as well as strays. Also heard that it is instant relief and fast elimination for poison ivy. Can't wait to get it! I kinda wish I had an itch! I might have some poison ivy out back....I'll have to check.

SKIN TREATMENT RECIPE (can be used as an All Natural Scabies treatment)

Ingredients needed:

• Grocery store: Grapeseed Oil (by Olive Oil)
• Instant Hand Sanitizer w/ Aloe
• Coconut Oil Hair conditioner (in the hair section with Afro-American hair products)
• . 3 fl oz Tea Tree Oil
• . 5 fl oz Sweet Orange essential Oil
• . 5 fl oz Clove Bud essential Oil
• 1 fl oz Neem Oil
• Neem Oil Bar of Soap

MIX:

1. get a used water bottle or container same size of 16 oz. fill half full of Grapeseed Oil
2. Add 3 drops of each; tt, orange, clove and neem oils. Shake well

Half hour before bed get naked. Spread following products from chin line and hair line down. (may need partner to help spread this in unreachable areas). Sanitizer all over, in creases too including private areas. follow with oil mixture, then coat with coconut oil. Walk or stand around for about 30 minutes until absorbed

If treating for Scabies, you can actually look down and where they were not before, you can see gray specs on the skin in places appear (dead bugs)

After 30 minutes, throw on undies, sweat pants and long sleeve thin shirt to sleep in. You want to sleep in your bed overnight with mixture on.

In morning take shower, gather all sheets regardless then wash dirty clothes, and disinfect house (if scabies). Use Neem soap to wash with in shower. If you are concerned about your hair, add few drops of Neem oil to shampoo. Repeat in 3 days after first treatment, then weekly for 3 weeks. Mix ingredients as needed.

Great for dry skin. Mixture actually makes you feel energized. My kids and I did this for scabies, I tried it first time doing it for 30 mins then washing off. Yes you can, if you look closely see the dead bugs if your eyesight is good.

It was more effective following same directions like the Premethrin as far as leaving it on overnight except this was all natural. We repeated treatment after 3 days then weekly for 3 weeks and cleaned everything in the house.

I contracted my scabies from a longtime friend of the family who hugged me several weeks ago for an extended time (2 minutes?) while photos were taken. Turns out she has been dealing with an intense rash and may even still be in denial about it being scabies.

Unfortunately, I wasn't immediately aware of her affliction and assumed my itch was due to mosquitoes, allergies, new detergent... Until I was fully infested. Then I treated with lice shampoo, bleach, peroxide, hot water, various lotions... Some provided relief, others provided chemical burns! (yes... I missed the part about the "non" chlorine bleach LOL)

So, unable to take it any more I decided to step up the battle and purchased a concentrated 40% permethrin solution which I used to create an 8% permethrin spray. After completely washing my body using Joy to removed all body oils and dirt... I applied the 8% permethrin from the neck down. When my wife came home, she aided me in treating my head, face and ears.

I will WARN you... This stings like a *****! The areas that I damaged previously with the bleach were the worst and I almost washed the solution off... but I knew this was my last chance!!! The burning subsided and the itching was already lessened within the hour.

I let the solution airdry and left it on for over 18 hours. I used a little calamine lotion upon going to bed to soothe the few areas still itching. Then showered vigorously in the morning. It is now mid afternoon of the day after my treatment (the same day of the showering) and I am a new man. I've had a few itches and welts (less than 5), but nothing like what I have dealt with for the last 2 weeks; my body was covered.

I plan to repeat my treatment with permethrin next week to be sure I have beat it. I post this more as a ray of hope for anyone suffering, rather than a guide to follow. I do not suggest you do what I have done as you could seriously harm yourself. What I am suggesting is that you visit your doctor and use plenty of the permethrin cream to cure yourself once and for all!!!

I realized this goes against the "natural" theme of this website... But it's the only place I found any real information, and I want you all to experience some relief. Several of the stories I read on here brought me to tears! Good Luck!

So you people out there saying they can't be seen are wrong and the chlorine bath not only brought out the bugs but the larva so we're staying with that. After the bath we are using Tea tree oil mixed half & half with olive oil all over the body to discourage the little monsters from attaching to our skin. Good luck to you all, I'll post if the oil works and we don't have to sanitize our whole house.

I came to the internet for research on scabies and found this site. I read for a treatment on the critters and found the Peroxide and borax treatment. Now, I'm not sure if it was scabies or not, but my 9 month old grand-daughter sure loves me for getting rid of her itchy, red, infectious blisters on the bottoms of her feet and bosy. I used about 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup peroxide in as warm water as she could stand, and I soaked her in it for about 5-10 minutes once daily for 2 days. Afterwards, I let her air dry in a very warm house and left it on her for about 2 hours and then gave her a bath in olive oil soap, which I had purchased because the dermatologist said she was allergic to coconut oil. Which she is not. After the bath with theolive oil soap ($1.50 a bar), I rinsed her off with fresh water and patted her dry, and then rubbed her down with extra virgin olive oil and proceeded to pat her dry again. Her blisters are now all gone and her skin is soft without any harm to her body as those poisonous creams the doctors were prescribing for her.

An old lady probably in her 90's had mentioned to me before I came here for help about using virgin olive oil on her and all of her ailments would disappear. I was skeptical, Not anymore, Thanks old lady from wal-mart check-out line. I appreciate you and this site for the cure of my granddaughter's feet!!! I was careful to not let her get any of the bathing solution in her mouth and eyes too. She has an appointment in 2 days with the doctor and the dermatologist on the same day. I will mention this solution for whatever it was ailing my baby...