Scabies
Definition:
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of the mite leads to intense itching in the area of its burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong at night.
Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, child care group, school class, nursing home or prison. Because of the contagious nature of scabies, doctors often recommend treatment for entire families or contact groups.
Signs & Symptoms:
Scabies signs and symptoms include:
Itching, often severe and usually worse at night
Thin, irregular burrow tracks made up of tiny blisters or bumps on your skin
The burrows or tracks typically appear in folds of your skin. Though almost any part of your body may be involved, in adults and older children scabies is most often found:
Between fingers
In armpits
Around your waist
Along the insides of wrists
On your inner elbow
On the soles of your feet
Around breasts
Around the male genital area
On buttocks
On knees
On shoulder blades
In infants and young children, common sites of infestation include the:
Scalp
Face
Neck
Palms of the hands
Soles of the feet
Cause:
Scabies is a skin condition caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei.
The intense itching associated with scabies is thought to be caused by the immune system reacting to the mites and their saliva, eggs and faeces.
How To Cure:
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol that helps kill the parasite that causes scabies. Also, the anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal and wound-healing qualities of tea tree oil help treat scabies.
Mix one tablespoon each of tea tree oil and olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution on the affected area. Do this twice daily for two to three weeks. It will help decrease swelling and pain while speeding up the healing process.
Alternatively, add 10 to 12 drops of pure tea tree oil to a bathtub of lukewarm water. Take a bath in this water twice daily for a few weeks.
Note: Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using tea tree oil. Also, tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, test the treatment on a small area first.
- Neem Oil
Neem oil is a botanical pesticide used to treat many skin problems including scabies. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help eliminate bacteria and fungus trapped in the skin. The smell of neem oil prevents scabies from reproducing, which can greatly shorten the duration of the problem.
Apply pure neem oil directly on the affected area and massage gently until the oil penetrates deep into the skin. Wait a few minutes and then take a bath. Do this once daily for several weeks to prevent the infection from spreading.
Make an antiseptic cream by combining two ounces each of neem oil with an equal amount of freshly ground turmeric powder. Apply the cream on the affected area two or three times a day. This homemade cream helps soothe itching and speeds up the healing process.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonder herb with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can greatly relieve the symptoms of scabies.
Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon juice and water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the affected skin and leave it on for about an hour. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily until you notice significant improvement.
Mix one teaspoon each of turmeric and neem powder. Add some water to form a smooth paste. Dab the paste on the affected areas and let it dry on its own. After it has dried, take a bath or shower to wash it off. Repeat this once daily.
