"Natural remedies for scabies are not usually recommended by Doctors, with a preference for the well-tested conventional approaches that are described below.
We do understand that many people do not want to apply chemical insecticides to their skin (or to their children). We don't like the idea either, however, the argument is that these products are all well tested and have minimal toxicity.
For those that insist on using natural remedies for scabies, we describe many of the most popular options below. This includes sulfur based products, tea tree oil or nontoxic sprays.
We would try conventional treatments first, or try these alternatives if you are very concerned about applying a scabicide to your skin or to your child. Of all the homeopathic remedies for scabies, we suggest trying Dr. Scabies solutions, Tea Tree Oil or the product offered by AllStop."
#1 Recommended Natural Scabies Home Remedy
This scabies home remedy kit is the most recommended natural homeopathic scabies remedy. It is 100% safe, natural and effective.
Prescription Scabies Treatment
Scabies is traditionally treated with what is called a sabicide. The active ingredient is an insecticide called permethrin followed by malathion (Ovide) and lindane (not prescribed due to concerns with toxicity to the neurological system). In addition to permethrin, some Doctors will prescribe a product called crotamiton (brand Eurax). In general the toxicity levels of permethrin and malathion are low.
Prescription scabies medicines are applied to the sin for 8 to 12 hours and then rinsed off. The mites are killed quickly, however the skin can itch for several weeks since the dead mites and eggs remain in the skin until the body can naturally remove them.
Permithrin works by causing paralysis and death of the parasite. While it is not used on infants younger than age 2 months, there is a study showing safe use on a 23 day old infant.
If creams do not work, there is an oral medication that has ivermectin as the active ingredient. Ivermectin has not been studied in children under 15kg in weight and for pregnant women.
Antihistamines can provide some itch relief in addition to the above.
Natural Remedies for Scabies
Natural remedies do not have the same amount of research regarding effectiveness and safety. Here we can only rely on claims made by the manufacturers and some studies. Each of these products with any supporting research is described below.
Dr. Scabies Natural Scabies Relief
Dr. Scabies is the #1 recommended FDA-registered homeopathic over the counter remedy for scabies. It is a sulfur based product that is made with 100% natural plant extracts to kill scabies naturally.
It is available in a natural scabies kit that contains everything you need to stop itching, kill mites and prevent an infestation.
All ingredients used in Dr. Scabies products are officially monographed in the "Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States."
Source: Dr. Scabies
AllStop Mitactin Skin Spray for Scabies
AllStop Mitactin Scabies Spray is an alternative to permethrin cream that eliminates and relieves the symptoms of a mite infestation. Many patients prefer this approach since it does not include harsh chemicals such as permethrin. AllStop is nontoxic and works within 24 to 48 hours. It works by penetrating the skin to cause extreme irritation to the parasite's breathing and feeding systems. It starts to work within minutes.
It is safe to use on children 2 years of age and over. Note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
For this reason, we only recommend these types of products to individuals that do not want to use an insecticide type formulation such as permethrin.
Click here for more information on AllStop.
Tea Tree Oil
There are several studies that support the use of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) as a natural approach for getting rid of scabies. Tea Tree Oil has not been researched in humans, but in other studies it has been shown to kill scabies mites better than the scabicides ivermectin and permethrin.
Of all the alternatives to conventional scabies treatment, this is the one natural scabies remedy we would try. Follow these steps for how to use tea tree oil for scabies.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Scabies
- Use 4% Tea Tree Oil boy wash in the shower. You can create your own body wash by combining 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 8.4 oz. of your favorite body wash. Mix and bathe. Use 1x every day.
Do not use the wash on the face and genitals. Do not swallow since Tea Tree Oil is toxic when swallowed - Spread tea tree oil on the entire body (except the face). Create your own oil mixture combining 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil with 5 teaspoons of sesame or olive oil.
Use the oil after showering or taking a bath in the morning .Do it again before going to bed.
Store any extra oil in a dark glass container to avoid any light which can ruin the oil.
Sulfur-Lavender Soap
Sulfur-Lavender Soap contains Palm Kernel and Coconut Oil based extracts, lavender essential oils and micronized volcanic sulfur, to create an effective anti-parasitic, antiseptic, and anti-fungal treatment for scabies.
Sulfur has been used for hundreds of years as a scabies home remedy. The problem with sulfur is that is only kills the adult scabies mite, not the eggs for this reason you will need to use Sulfur Soap for scabies for several weeks.
In infants, sulfur soap is used with crotamiton cream.
Sulfur in Petroleum Jelly
In infants, a mixture of petroleum jelly and 7% precipitated sulfur is a safe product used for young infants. It can be made by your neighborhood pharmacist. It is left on the skin for 24 hours and then washed off.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tumeric Paste
Neem has also been used for centuries to heal scabies .Tumeric has also been used to treat scabies.
One study has demonstrated that when applied together as a paste, 97% of people treated were showing a cure within 15 days of treatment.(2)
Bush Tea (Lippia multiflora)
Bush tea is a product from Gambia, Africa. In a Nigerian medical study 268 patients were treated with Bush Tea vs. benzl benzoate, an over-the-counter treatment. The trial showed a higher cure rate for the Bush Tea.
Bush tea is rich in flavonoids and is used to improve skin health. The tea has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is taken orally by mixing a tablespoon of honey with the bush tea. Take the tea/honey mixture 3x a day.(6)
Prevention
A home scabies disinfectant like Benzarid spray is formulated to ensure that scabies is eliminated form the home environment. Use this product to disinfect chairs, floors, bed, couches and other surfaces.
The spray is odorless and non-staining.
Color test the spray on an out of sight location before using to ensure that it will not stain items in your home.
References
(1) Chosidow O. Scabies and pediculosis. Lancet. 2000;355:819–22
(2) The Dermatologist: What to do about scabies
(3) Livestrong
(5) National Institutes of Health
(6) Dr. Scabies