We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

People with scabies need medical treatment to get rid of the mites, but home remedies — such as tea tree oil, neem, and clove oil — may help manage itching and discomfort.

Scabies is an infestation of small mites that burrow into the skin and cause itchy rashes.

People should always check with their doctor before trying home remedies for scabies. Also, some of the suggested remedies have no scientific or medical evidence to back them.

The most common symptoms of scabies include:

  • red and irritated skin
  • blistering
  • extreme itchiness, particularly in the evening or night

It is also possible that a person will notice:

  • tiny bites or bumps
  • trails where the mites burrowed into the skin
  • sores from scratching

Anyone trying a home remedy for scabies should consult a doctor if the infestation does not clear up or show signs of improving.

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil for treating scabies in glass jar with leaves in background.Share on Pinterest
Tea tree oil may help to relieve some of the symptoms of scabies.

Tea tree oil is a well-known essential oil. In some studies, it has shown some promise as being effective in the treatment of scabies. Additional studies are still needed, however.

Tea tree oil can help alleviate some of the itchiness associated with scabies, in addition to other treatments.

The oil has not been found to be effective against the eggs that are buried deep within the skin.

Some people are allergic to tea tree oil. People who are allergic should not use tea tree oil for scabies and should find an alternative method.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing effect on sunburn and other skin ailments. Aloe vera is usually considered safe to use with minimal side effects reported.

One small study has shown that aloe vera is effective in treating scabies. It was, in fact, found to be as effective as a prescription drug called benzyl benzoate.

More research is required to fully test the effects of aloe vera in the treatment of scabies.

3. Neem

Neem is an oil. It can be found in creams and ointments. Neem has analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

There have been some studies that suggest that neem is effective in treating scabies because it kills the mites.

One study tested the effects of neem on dogs. Most of the dogs were cured of scabies within 2 weeks of consistently using shampoo that contained neem. The dogs that did not fully recover saw big improvements in the total number of mites left in their skin.

Additional studies on humans are needed to test neem’s effectiveness as a treatment for scabies in humans.

4. Clove oil

A single study showed that clove oil was effective in treating scabies in a group of rabbits and pigs. Other oils tested did not perform as well as clove oil.

Again, this is a case where additional studies need to be done to fully test whether or not clove oil is effective on scabies when the mites occur in humans.

5. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper behind pot of chili powder on wooden table.Share on Pinterest
Capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers, is thought to help alleviate pain and itchiness.

Cayenne pepper has not been proven effective in treating scabies. Nevertheless, some people believe that it is an effective treatment against the mites.

Cayenne pepper does have some usefulness when it comes to scabies, despite some controversy.

According to one study, capsaicin, a compound found in cayenne pepper, desensitizes the skin when it is applied directly. This can help alleviate some of the pain and itchiness associated with scabies.

Creams with capsaicin are available to purchase online. Speak to a doctor before using these products.

6. Turmeric

Little evidence supports the effectiveness of turmeric in treating scabies. However, some people claim that it is effective in alleviating the symptoms.

Treating the symptoms will not stop or cure the infestation, so other methods of treatment will still be required.

7. Zinc

Zinc is not a direct treatment for scabies. Instead, people recommend using zinc to help fight off secondary infections that may result from the open skin wounds that can result from a person scratching.

8. Wash clothes in hot water

Though not a direct treatment for the infection, an individual should wash any clothing, bedding, or other fabric that has come in contact with them or their skin if they have scabies. This will remove mites hiding in the fabric and help prevent them spreading to other areas of their body or other individuals.

9. Borax

Borax or sodium borate is controversial at best. It is mostly used in household cleaning products, such as laundry washes.

Though some people claim it can help with scabies, others question it is safe to use for humans.

It should not be used directly on the skin, but it may be effective in a person’s laundry when trying to eliminate the scabies mites.

10. Bleach

Though it may kill the mites, bleach is a harsh chemical and should always be diluted and treated with great care.

It can also damage a person’s skin, eyes, and lungs. Again, it should only be used as a cleaning product and should not come into contact with the skin itself.

11. Vacuuming

Similarly to washing clothes, vacuuming the house will not cure the infestation that is affecting an individual. However, vacuuming up any mites that could be in floor coverings will help prevent scabies from spreading to other people.

12. Apple cider vinegar

Much has been written about apple cider vinegar, and some believe it may be effective in treating scabies. There is little evidence to back up the claims, however.

Share on Pinterest
Scabies may be spread through sexual contact.

Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through:

  • sexual contact
  • long periods of skin to skin contact
  • sharing clothes, sheets, and towels

Anyone in direct contact with someone who has scabies is at risk of developing an infestation. Sexual partners, friends, and family members are at high risk of developing the condition.

Crowded conditions are another risk factor. Some places scabies can quickly spread include:

  • schools
  • daycares
  • prisons
  • locker rooms
  • rehab facilities
  • nursing homes

A person should see their doctor when:

  • a rash of unknown origin develops
  • scabies-specific symptoms are noticed
  • contact occurs with someone who has scabies
  • a rash of unknown cause lasts longer than a week

Scabies is a serious, contagious condition that will not get better on its own. People need to seek treatment, one way or another.

Medical treatments will work with no issues for most people. Home remedies may offer possible alternatives to medical intervention for others.

It is essential for anyone with scabies to be in contact with a doctor to help determine if the infestation is clearing up.

People should reconsider the use of medical interventions if their condition does not get any better with at-home treatments.

The home remedies for scabies listed in this article are available for purchase online.