What is scabies and how can it be prevented

Scabies is caused by the contagious scabies mites, scientifically known as the Sarcoptes scabiei. These micro-beings copulate on the skin surface and then burrow deep inside the surface to lay eggs. This results in the formation of red, itchy, swollen bulges which you may have seen as part of a scabies rash photo. If left untreated, Sarcoptes scabiei can live beneath the skin for several months and grow to hundreds to thousands in number.

There are about 130 million cases of scabies infections around the world at any particular moment. As such, it is a highly infectious disease that spreads mainly through direct skin contact. Sometimes, it also spreads through infected bedding, clothing, and other belongings. It’s best to follow preventive measures rather than treating the disease after contracting the scabies mites.

In some cases, the disease evolves into a more severe form known as the Norwegian Scabies. It is more extreme in effect and more contagious than the usual scabies. People suffering from Norwegian Scabies develop thick crusts of skin containing thousands of Sarcoptes scabiei and eggs. Not only should the affected individuals, but also the people in their direct contact need to undergo rapid and aggressive treatment to avoid outbreaks.

Spreading of scabies infection
Even after being infected by scabies mites, symptoms of the contagious disease might take as much as two months to appear. However, a scabies infected person can start spreading contamination right after the infection has been contracted. Typically, scabies is passed to another host by direct and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It can spread from human contact or from an affected animal, most notably pigs and rabbits.

In addition, a person suffering from Norwegian Scabies can pass the disease to other hosts by a brief skin-to-skin contact or by getting exposed to bedding, clothing, and even furniture.

Prevention of infection
Preventive measures are important when someone near and dear is being treated for scabies. The primary prevention tips for scabies are discussed below:

• Avoid direct skin contact with the infected person, as well as bedding and clothing used by the very person.
• The infected bedding and clothing used by the patient need to be washed and dried three days before going through scabies treatment. Use hot water to give them a wash and preferably use a machine wash. Remember that the bedsheet and clothes need to be either hot dried or dry cleaned to completely eliminate the scabies mites.
• Items and belongings of the patient that you can neither dry-clean or wash need to be disinfected by quarantining them, i.e., storing them in a closed plastic bag for about a week.

Natural treatment options for scabies
Although scabies is a troublesome infection, it can be treated effectively. Scabies treatment generally involves medication to kill scabies-causing mites, as well as to eliminate eggs laid by them. In most cases, doctors recommend treatment for an entire direct group of people related to the person suffering from scabies.

There are several natural and homemade treatments available for treating scabies. The best home treatments to cure scabies skin rash are as follows:

Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil can bring immediate relief in itchy and bulging rashes. You can also use it to disinfect beddings and clothes by adding a small amount of tree oil to a squirt bottle. Spray it on the bed linen, sheets, and clothes. However, know that it is ineffective for curing scabies eggs deep within the skin.

Neem – Neem plant can be used to ease inflammation and pain caused by rashes in scabies. In addition to applying the Neem oil directly to the affected areas, Neem products like creams and soaps can also be helpful in curing this infection.

Aloe vera – Aloe vera is one of the most significant herbs in Ayurvedic medication. Application of aloe vera gel ranges from skin treatment to bowel problems. A study suggests that aloe vera offers the same strength as prescription scabies medication. Several aloe vera products are available; however, pure aloe vera gel is preferred with no additives.

Cayenne pepper – Cayenne pepper can be applied directly to alleviate pain and itching caused by scabies mites. It can also kill scabies mites to some extent. However, using products made from cayenne pepper or containing capsaicin need to be tested with the skin patch test before using.

Clove oil – Scabies mites taken from pigs and rabbits can be cured naturally with clove oil, which is essentially an insecticide. Such essential oils are being tested continuously to find better natural ways to treat scabies.

Although it’s true that the discomfort associated with scabies infection is unbearable, the good part is that the disease has a number of natural treatment methods. So, be proactive to catch the early symptoms and undergo timely treatment.