SCABIES
THERE ARE FEW SYMPTOMS AS IRRITATING as an itch, which accompanies many ailments, but some itches are definitely worse than others. The constant itch produced by scabies, microscopic mites that burrow into the surface of the skin to lay their eggs, can rival other insect bites in intensity.
Scabies
mites cause lesions that occur in lines most likely to turn up on the hands,
wrists, armpits, genitalia, inner thighs and elbows. The mites and their
eggs can be seen with a microscope or magnifying glass. Scabies are contagious,
and can be spread by close physical contact and even by infected bedding
and clothing. Therefore, scabies outbreaks are common where people are in
close proximity, such as in schools, summer camps and nursing homes. People
with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients, tend to get scabies
more often. Crusted or Norwegian scabies is a special type that's more difficult
to treat.
If you or a family member has scabies, make sure to clean all bedding and
clothing thoroughly before, during and after treatment to prevent reinfestation.
Treatment
of scabies is designed to kill the mites and to control the itching that
can last after all mites have died. You'll also want to prevent bacterial
infection of the lesions.
Researchers have not yet tested herbal remedies for scabies, although people
have been using herbs for this purpose for years. The best way to use most
of the following herbs is to make a strong tea and use it as a skin wash,
then apply an essential oil preparation.
DRUG TREATMENT
Insecticides
Malathion (Derbac-M, Prioderm, Quellada M, Suleo-M) Function: kill the mites
with an insecticide applied to the skin. Side effects: skin irritation.
Permethrin 5 per cent cream (Lyclear Dermal Cream), benzyl benzoate 20 to
30 per cent lotion. Function: kill the mites. Side effects: skin nntation.
Corticosteroids
Triamcinolone acetonide (Adcortyl, Aureocort, Nystadermal, TriAdcortyl).
Function: heal the skin after scabies mites are eliminated and quell itching.
Side effects: acne, redness, thinning of the skin, mild depigmentation.
Other
Drugs
halivermectin (Mectizan). Function: kills scabies mites. Side effects:
anorexia, lethargy.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Neem (Azadiracta indica)
This tree's essential oil has pesticide properties and may he useful against
scabies when applied to the skin. The oil also has antibacterial and antifungal
activity. Little research has tested dosages for neem products, so follow
the manufacturer's recommendations on how to use a product containing neem
for scabies. Caution: use externally only.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
This spice has traditionally been used on the skin to treat scabies. Clove
essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, plus antimicrobial
activity, which is important to prevent a bacterial infection from occurring
in any broken skin that the rash's itching may have produced. But clove oil
can also irritate skin, so try a test patch first. If irritation results,
use a lower concentration. You can apply a mixture of 10 drops of clove oil
and 1/4 litre of a vegetable oil such as olive or almond oil to the rash
before bedtime. You can also try adding the clove oil to a mixture of half
honey and half water; apply in the same way. Caution: do not use clove oil
if you are pregnant.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
The essential oil from this plant fights a number of parasites, including
the mite that causes scabies. To use, combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
with 5 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Apply liberally to the skin, especially
before bedtime. Caution: if skin irritation results, further dilute the
oil or discontinue use.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus ojficinalis)
This herb fights many parasites and may help stop an infestation of scabies.
Typical dosage: 1/4 litre of boiling water poured over 1 to 2 teaspoons
of dried herb. Allow to cool; use it to wash infested
skin as often as three times per day.
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
A strong tea made of tansy has been traditionally used for scabies.
The dried herb itself has a long history of use for shooing away insects,
so it may work on mites. To make the tea, simmer 2 teaspoons of dried herb
in 1/4 litre of water for 10 minutes. Strain, cool and use to wash the infected
skin one or more times per day. If you apply it only once, do so before bedtime.
Caution: do not take internally.
USING OILS TO FOIL SCABIES
After washing the infested area with a herbal skin wash, apply a generous
amount of essential oil prepared from your herbs of choice. In addition
to any mite-killing power that the preparation may have, the oil helps
to smother the pests.
It's important to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
For most oils, mix no more than 1 teaspoon of essential oil with 1/4 litre
of what's called a carrier oil - you can use any neutral vegetable oil such
as almond, olive, sesame or even corn oil.
Another herbal oil technique is the infused oil. Herbal expert Dr James A. Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy, recommends applying oil of St John's wort extracted in evening primrose oil. To make it, combine about 1/4 litre of fresh St John's wort flowering tops in enough evening primrose oil to cover them. Steep for two weeks. Strain out the herbs and apply the oil to scabies lesions up to three times per day.
