The treatment for scabies includes medicated creams, home remedies and basic change in hygiene habits. It’s a combination of these methods that can ensure a scabies-free life at the earliest.
There are medical ways to get rid of scabies. The most commonly used method is a cream called Permethrin. A particular concentration of 5 percent is always prescribed. You can also use calamine lotion to soothe the itchy skin since scratching the itch is definitely a bad idea. Avoid aggravating the skin. Have cool water baths so that the heat does not dry your skin. Do not exfoliate much.
The problem is not only dealing with mites and eggs on the person but also on almost all personal items like clothes, furniture and linens. The best solution, after controlling your infection, is to disinfect all personal items. Medicated shampoos and solutions are used to rinse out all used clothes and other washables. It can be a chore but serves in good stead in the long run. Ensure you clean your house properly – vacuuming, cleaning all linen, disinfecting all family members including pets. Add Borax or bicarbonate of soda to your detergent to ensure that your clothes get clean. You need to be doubly sure because scabies mites tend to stay hidden for a long time and can survive for up to 2 days without a human host!
You can use some homemade solutions with herbs to help heal the skin faster. Diluted tea tree oil can be used in baths as well as vinegar. Herbs like balsam of Peru help treat the itch on the skin. Peppermint oil can help relieve the itch. Apply oils like peppermint oil daily, like a lotion, till you are sure you are scabies-free. Citrus-based products like soaps, bath oils or even plain citrus juice can help to reduce itching and irritation. If the itching is unbearable you can also take an antihistamine to alleviate it temporarily.
Reference:
- http://www.csun.edu/studenthealthcenter/pdfs/education/scabies.pdf
- http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/scabies.html
answered by K C