Scabies is a skin infection that is caused by tiny, microscopic parasites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These parasites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs - once these eggs hatch, the larvae emerge to move about and eventually grow into adult mites. It is this movement that causes the itching sensation, while the burrows can also sometimes be seen with the naked eye, as tiny, bumpy tracks or blisters. The mites do not do any real damage themselves, apart from causing rather severe itching, but scabies often leads to a secondary infection due to breakage of skin from constant scratching. In addition, the presence of the eggs, larvae, and mites usually leads to an allergic reaction, which gives rise to a rash and further itching.
Scabies is easily treated, but it is important to be sure that you actually have scabies. A lay person may easily mistake some other skin condition for scabies, and then waste time on the wrong treatment, allowing the real problem to worsen. It is therefore advisable that you visit a doctor for a diagnosis; your doctor will perform a simple visual examination of your skin, and if necessary, take a scraping for examination under a microscope. After having confirmed that you have scabies, you can either take the doctor's prescribed treatment or use the home remedies described here.
Neem oil and tea tree oil are the most effective home remedies for treating scabies. As of now, not many scientific studies have been performed on these two scabies treatments, but some of the studies that have been done indicate that these treatments are more effective than any other. You should apply the oil on the affected areas twice a day for at least ten days. This makes sure that all larvae, eggs, and mites are destroyed. This is usually as long as it takes to get rid of the infection, although itching may continue for a week or two longer, mainly due to the allergic reaction that has set in. Rather than scratching the affected with your bare hands you should lightly brush them with a twig of neem. This provides relief without breaking the skin or risking a secondary infection.
You should limit physical contact with other people for the duration of the infection, and avoid sharing clothes and other belongings as far as possible. If you live with other people, it is advisable that they undergo the treatment too.
answered by G M