Natural vs. Medical Treatments for Scabies

Scabies

Scabies which is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an itchy skin rash that occurs at the burrowing site of the mite. The burrowing of the mite is what causes an intense itching sensation to occur and this feeling intensifies especially during the night leading to disruptions in the sleep.

Also scabies is highly contagious and it easily spreads through close contact of an infected individual with their family, in a child care group, workplaces, school classes and even in nursing homes. And it is because of its highly contagious nature that healthcare providers usually recommend treating the entire family or the close contacts that the infected person has come in contact with. Treatment in this case usually involves taking prescribed medications, but there are certain natural treatments that have also shown to give similar results in curing the illness. Let us have a look at how these medical treatments differ from the natural one’s and which one is the better option for treating the condition.

Common Symptoms of Scabies

Symptoms typically appear 2–6 weeks after the initial infestation if it’s your first time. However, if you’ve had scabies before, symptoms can arise in as little as 1–4 days.

Key symptoms include:

• Intense itching, particularly worse at night 
• Threadlike burrows or raised, skin-colored lines 
• Small red bumps or rashes 
• Sores from scratching 
• Crankiness or fatigue in children due to sleep disturbance 

The rash spreads slowly and often appears in areas like:

• Wrists 
• Between fingers and toes 
• Elbows 
• Armpits 
• Groin 
• Around the nipples or genitals 
• Creases of the buttocks 

In infants, scabies can also affect the face, scalp, neck, palms, and soles.

What Causes Scabies?

Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites burrow into the top layer of your skin to lay eggs, causing inflammation, itching, and rash due to the body’s allergic response to the mites and their waste.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can get scabies, some groups are more vulnerable, including:

• Infants and young children 
• Elderly individuals 
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer) 
• People in crowded environments like prisons, nursing homes, and shelters 
• Healthcare workers and migrant laborers living in close quarters 

Major Risk Factors

• Direct, prolonged skin contact with an infected person 
• Sexual contact 
• Sharing towels, clothing, or bedding 
• Living in unsanitary or crowded environments 
• Low immunity due to illness or medications 
• Exposure in healthcare settings 

When to See a Doctor

If you have persistent itching, especially at night, or notice a rash or burrowing tracks, consult a dermatologist. Other skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis can mimic scabies symptoms, so accurate diagnosis is crucial.

How Is Scabies Diagnosed?

A dermatologist will often diagnose scabies through a full-body skin exam. In some cases, a skin scraping may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites or eggs.

Other supportive methods include:

• Dermatoscopy (to visualize burrows) 
• Microscopy of skin scrapings 

Treatment Options for Scabies

• Medical Treatments

1. Topical Medications

These are applied from the neck down and left on for 8–14 hours:

• Permethrin cream 
• Crotamiton lotion 
• Benzyl benzoate 
• Sulfur ointments 

Infants may require application on the face and scalp as well.

2. Oral Medications

• Covimectin 12 mg, which is an Ivermectin, is often prescribed in two doses, spaced one to two weeks apart. It’s especially helpful in resistant or crusted scabies.

Note: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 15 kg should avoid ivermectin.

3. Other Medications

• Antihistamines – for relief from itching 
• Antibiotics – if scratching causes infection 
• Steroid creams – to reduce inflammation

2. Natural Remedies for Scabies

Though not a substitute for medical treatment, some natural remedies offer relief from itching and promote healing.

Tea Tree Oil

• Acaricidal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial 
• May reduce symptoms, though doesn’t kill eggs deep in skin
  

Neem Oil

• Can disrupt mite life cycle 
• Offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits 

Aloe Vera Gel

• Soothes skin and may kill mites 
• A 2009 study showed aloe vera was as effective as benzyl benzoate 

Clove Oil

• Contains eugenol, which damages mite exoskeleton 
• Acts as a natural insecticide and anti-inflammatory 

Other Essential Oils

• Lemongrass 
• Cinnamon 
• Eucalyptus 
• Lavender 
• Bitter orange 

Caution: Always perform a patch test before applying essential oils and consult your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a medical condition.

Medical vs Natural Treatments – A Comparison 

Aspect	Medical Treatments	Natural Remedies
Effectiveness	High (kills mites)	Varies, supportive
Egg Elimination	Often requires multiple doses	May not reach eggs under skin
Onset of Relief	Usually quick	Gradual
Risk of Side Effects	Possible (especially with topical use)	Generally low, but may cause allergies
Use During Pregnancy	Limited options	Caution advised

 

Cleaning Up Your Space: Prevent Re-infestation

Scabies mites can live up to 3–4 days without human skin. To prevent re-infestation:

• Wash all bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water (≥122°F or 50°C) 
• Dry them on high heat 
• Items that can’t be washed? Seal them in plastic bags for at least 3 days 
• Vacuum furniture, carpets, and floors thoroughly 
• Everyone in the household, even if asymptomatic, should undergo treatment 

Is Scabies Preventable?

Yes, with proper hygiene and prompt treatment, scabies can be prevented:

• Treat all close contacts at the same time 
• Avoid sharing clothes, bedding, or towels 
• Practice good personal hygiene 
• Wash recently used items in hot water and high heat 
• Children and adults can return to school or work 24 hours after treatment 

Key Takeaways

• Scabies is contagious, uncomfortable, and often mistaken for other skin conditions. 
• Look out for intense nighttime itching, rash, and burrows—especially in skin folds. 
• Medical treatments, including permethrin and Covimectin 12 mg, are the most reliable. 
• Natural remedies can help reduce symptoms, but are best used alongside doctor-approved treatments. 
• Clean your environment and treat close contacts to prevent re-infestation. 

FAQs

• What is the best natural way to kill scabies?

Research suggests that tea tree, neem, and clove oil may be effective in treating scabies, as they can damage the mites.

 

• How was scabies treated before modern medicine?

Perhaps the most peculiar treatment used to alleviate scabies pruritus, mercury-coated girdles were an expensive treatment in the mid-17th century. Because scabies commonly infects the inguinal regions and joints, mercury-associated toxins in these pelvic girdles were used to quench the troublesome symptoms.

 

• What not to do when treating scabies?

Everyone in your household should be treated together, on the same day and at the same time. Until everyone has been treated, you should avoid skin-to-skin contact with others. If you do not, you could get scabies again from a member of your household.

 

• What is the safest treatment for scabies?

Topical creams like permethrin are safe for most, but for a safe oral option, Covimectin 12 mg (ivermectin) is widely trusted. It’s effective, easy to take, and ideal for moderate to severe scabies. Just make sure it’s taken under medical supervision.

 

• What can I spray in my house to kill scabies?

To completely eliminate scabies, Sterifab should be used on carpets, rugs, furniture, mattresses, sofas, chairs, and flooring. Using a hand or power sprayer and keeping approximately one foot away from the surface to be sprayed, apply Sterifab over all surfaces until thoroughly damp.