Scabies is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites known as sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are tiny parasites which dig through the skin and cause severe itching. They are able to feed on a host body for 2 to 3 days and pass on from one individual to another through direct physical contact. The mites create a small tunnel or burrow as they penetrate the skin and this results in an allergic reaction of the skin.
Once the mite infests the skin it results in a skin rash characterized by tiny itchy blisters. The affected areas of the body usually involve the wrists, areas between the fingers, elbows, knees, areas surrounding the nipples, waist and genitals. The itching usually becomes aggravated at night. The bumps may develop into sores due to scratching. Open sores are vulnerable to infection by bacteria. Sometimes the burrow track may also be visible on the skin. The most contagious form of scabies is crusted scabies in which the skin becomes covered with scaly, dry rash. This rash may or may not cause a great deal of itching, but there may be up to thousands of mites living on the skin. This type of scabies is also very difficult to treat. The symptoms of scabies may not be experienced for up to a couple of months after the infestation, but the disease can still be transmitted to others.
An effective natural treatment for scabies involves the application of tea tree oil to the affected areas. This oil has strong antiseptic properties which are helpful in treating most skin conditions. You can add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath and soak in this for about fifteen minutes. The action of the oil will help to kill the mites and also treat the sores. This treatment can be done twice daily for a week. One can also treat scabies using a paste of dried or fresh margosa leaves, turmeric powder, and mustard oil. The paste may be applied to the skin and allowed to remain for an hour. Another beneficial home remedy is prepared by extracting the juice of 500 grams of drumstick leaves and mixing with an equal part of sesame oil. The mixture must be boiled until the water evaporates and then left to cool. This can then be applied to the affected areas of the skin. This remedy has anti-microbial properties which will help to combat the infestation.