Can you treat scabies at home?

Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, a human-specific mite belonging to the arthropod class Arachnida, subclass Acari, family Sarcoptidae. These microscopic mites burrow into the uppermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. As the mites dig, they leave behind burrows that appear as tiny, raised, serpentine lines that are grayish or skin-colored and can measure over a centimeter long. Wondering how to manage this condition once diagnosed? Learn more about Can you treat scabies at home? and explore both medical treatments and supportive remedies.

While similar mites infect other mammals (e.g., dogs, cats, pigs, and horses), those animal-specific mites do not reproduce on humans. However, they can cause a self-limiting infestation with temporary itching due to a skin reaction.

What Causes Scabies?

Scabies is caused by the tiny mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is the female mite that burrows into the skin to lay eggs. These mites, their waste, and eggs cause an allergic response, leading to intense itching and rash.

The Mite: A microscopic arthropod.
Burrowing Behavior: Female mites dig into the skin to lay eggs.
Egg Lifecycle: Eggs hatch into larvae, become nymphs, and mature into adults.
Allergic Reaction: Itching stems from the immune system reacting to the mites and their waste.
Transmission: Through prolonged skin contact or contaminated clothes, towels, and bedding.

In cases where rapid systemic relief is needed, doctors may prescribe oral antiparasitics like Covimectin 12 mg to stop the mite lifecycle from progressing.

How Do I Know If I Have Scabies?

Scabies presents with intense itching and a rash. Here’s how to identify it:

Symptoms:

Severe itching, especially at night
Rash: pimple-like bumps or blisters
Burrow marks: raised, wavy lines
Sores due to scratching
Crusted skin in chronic cases
Irritability in children

Commonly Affected Areas:

Between fingers and toes
Wrists, elbows, and armpits
Waistline and groin
Nipples and soles of the feet
Buttock creases

Can Scabies Cause Complications?

Yes. If left untreated, scabies can result in both physical and systemic complications:

Secondary Infections:

Impetigo: A bacterial skin infection from scratching
Cellulitis: Deeper skin infection
Sepsis: Rare but serious systemic infection

Kidney and Heart Complications:

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: Kidney inflammation
End-stage renal failure: From chronic kidney inflammation
Rheumatic heart disease: Linked to secondary strep infections

Other Issues:

Sleep disruption
Crusted scabies in immune-compromised individuals
Social stigma and emotional distress

Is Scabies Contagious?

Yes, and highly so. Scabies spreads primarily via prolonged skin contact. In overcrowded environments like dormitories, shelters, and elderly care homes, outbreaks are more likely.

Modes of Transmission:

Direct, prolonged skin contact
Sharing bedding, clothing, or towels
Crusted scabies can spread even through brief contact

Contagious Facts:

Scabies remains contagious as long as mites or eggs are present
Quick handshakes or hugs are unlikely to spread it

Who’s at Risk for Scabies?

Anyone can get scabies, but certain groups are more vulnerable:

People living in crowded spaces
Individuals with weakened immunity (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy patients)
Healthcare workers
Children and the elderly
Individuals with poor hygiene practices
People engaging in frequent skin-to-skin contact (e.g., caregivers, intimate partners)

How Is Scabies Diagnosed?

Scabies can be diagnosed clinically by a dermatologist via a physical examination.

Confirmatory Tests:

Skin scraping examined under a microscope
Dermatoscopy to detect burrows
Mineral oil prep and microscope examination for mites or eggs

Consult your doctor if symptoms match scabies.

Can You Treat Scabies at Home?

While natural remedies help with symptoms, scabies requires medical treatment to eliminate mites.

1. Medical Treatment Is Essential:

Scabicides (prescription-only):
- Permethrin cream (5%)
- Lindane lotion (not recommended for children or elderly)
- Benzyl benzoate, sulfur ointment
Oral Treatment:
- Prescription-strength ivermectin like Covimectin 12 mg is often used to treat severe or crusted scabies, especially when topical creams are ineffective or impractical.
OTC products like Nix (1% permethrin) are not sufficient

2. Home Remedies (Supportive Only):

Tea tree oil: May reduce itch but not a cure
Oatmeal baths: Soothe inflamed skin
Calamine lotion: Reduces itching
Antihistamines: Eases nighttime itchingHow Is Scabies Diagnosed?
Scabies can be diagnosed clinically by a dermatologist via a physical examination.
Confirmatory Tests:
- Skin scraping examined under a microscope
- Dermatoscopy to detect burrows
- Mineral oil prep and microscope examination for mites or eggs Consult your doctor if symptoms match scabies.
Watercress: Possibly anti-inflammatory but not a proven treatment

3. Preventing Re-infestation:

Wash bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in plastic for 72+ hours
Avoid close contact until 24 hours post-treatment

Important Notes:

Itching may persist even after mites are killed
See a doctor if symptoms persist after treatment
Treat all household members simultaneously to prevent reinfestation

Living with scabies

What precautions should i take ?

Once diagnosed, follow these dermatologist-backed precautions:

Don’t feel ashamed: Anyone can get scabies, regardless of hygiene or background.
Treat all close contacts: Even asymptomatic people should be treated.
Application of Medicine:
- Bathe or shower before applying
- Apply from neck to toes, including all folds and nails
- Infants, children, and elderly may require scalp and forehead treatment
- Avoid lips, eyes, nostrils, and mouth area
- If prescribed Covimectin 12 mg, ensure the correct dosage schedule is followed, typically involving two doses spaced one to two weeks apart.
Reapply after washing hands: Mites often burrow into fingers

Cleaning and Disinfection

Wash clothes, towels, and bedding in the hottest settings
Dry-clean non-washables or seal in plastic for 7 days
Items unused for over a week likely don’t need cleaning

Summary

Scabies is an intensely itchy, highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and is best treated with scabicidal creams or oral medications like Covimectin 12 mg, especially for resistant or widespread cases. It spreads through prolonged contact and requires prompt medical intervention using scabicides or oral medications like ivermectin. While natural treatments may ease symptoms, they do not eliminate the mites. Diagnosing scabies early and treating all household members while maintaining strict hygiene is essential to recovery and preventing reinfestation.

FAQs

1. How to get rid of scabies without going to a doctor?

People with scabies need medical treatment to get rid of the mites, but home remedies — such as tea tree oil, neem, and clove oil — may help manage itching and discomfort. Scabies is an infestation of small mites that burrow into the skin and cause itchy rashes.

2. Can your body get rid of scabies on its own?

Scabies does not go away on its own. Do you have scabies? Read more below about how best to treat it and important things to keep in mind. Everyone around you who may have also caught scabies must be treated at the same time as you.

3. Can scabies be self-treated?

Scabies treatment involves killing the mites and eggs with a medicated cream or pill. No treatment is available without a prescription. Several creams and lotions are available by prescription.

4. Is there an over the counter treatment for scabies?

There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat scabies in the United States. Scabies is a skin infestation caused by mites that require prescription-strength scabicides to be eliminated. While some OTC products like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help relieve itching, they don’t treat the underlying scabies infection.

5. What household cleaner kills scabies?

While some household cleaners might help in scabies control, they are not a substitute for prescribed medications. Effective scabies treatment typically involves prescription-strength topical medications like permethrin cream, ivermectin (oral or topical), or benzyl benzoate. For household cleaning, focus on hot water washing and drying of linens, clothing, and towels, and disinfecting surfaces with permethrin-containing sprays or other disinfectants.