Home remedies for scabies

Home care for scabies has two jobs: stop the mites from spreading and ease the itch. It works together with a proven anti-scabies medicine, which is needed to kill the mites.

Clean the home and belongings

• On the day treatment starts, wash all clothes, towels and bedding used in the last three days in hot water (at least 50 to 60 degrees Celsius) and dry on high heat or in strong sun.
• Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for at least three days (72 hours), because mites die away from skin.
• Vacuum sofas, mattresses and carpets, then dispose of the dust bag.
• Keep nails short and clean.

Treat everyone together Everyone in close contact, including partners and family members, should be treated at the same time, even if they have no itch yet. Otherwise scabies keeps passing back and forth.

Ease the itch

• Cool compresses or a lukewarm bath.
• Moisturiser after bathing to soothe dry skin.
• Calamine lotion, as advised.
• Antihistamine tablets at night may help sleep, as advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Avoid scratching, which can cause infection.

Remedies sometimes used Neem paste, turmeric, tea tree oil and aloe vera are popular, but evidence is limited, and they do not reliably clear the mites. Do not use kerosene, petrol, bleach or strong chemicals, which are dangerous.