Transmission of scabies usually requires close and prolonged contact. It can be considered a sexually transmitted disease, however casual touch can be just as common of a way to transmit the disease. Incubation of scabies is from 5 days to 2 weeks.

Scabies Disease Evolution:

Superinfected scabies is a bacterial infection (staphylococcus, streptococcus) in areas of pruritus (itching) election. Norwegian scabies is a clinical form of parasitic infection that occurs in patients with compromised immune systems (HIV, organ transplant). The mite has a very significant increase and contagiousness is obviously very important.

It May Be Something other Than Scabies:

Anal itching: intestinal parasitosis;
Pruritus vulvae: vulvovaginitis;
Itching of scalp pediculosis (lice).

Scabies Symptoms:

After several weeks of incubation, intense itching occur anywhere on the body (except face), especially at night. Tiny furrows a few millimeters to an inch in length (corresponding to the growth of the parasite under the skin) appear between the fingers, wrists and ankles, as well as buttons to the armpits, nipples, buttocks and genitals (related to egg laying that causes an allergic reaction).

Scabies Consultation

The doctor must search for specific signs of scabies. They will look for paths present in areas of pruritus, beaded vesicles (fluid), scabious cankers (glands and the penis sheath) and scabious nodules. The doctor, by questioning and clinical examination, generally through a skin scraping. Some patients choose to do their own skin scraping using a carrier oil like olive or mineral oil, scraping the suspect area, then examining through a microscope to see if they have a suspect scabies mite or other type of human mite such as bird mites.

Scabies Causes

Scabies is an infection caused by a parasitic human scabies mite. This condition is very common and cosmopolitan. The number of new cases has increased dramatically since 2000. The female mite digs a tunnel in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and lays her eggs. The saliva of the parasite as well as egg casings under the skin causes severe itching.
It will involve the affected individual and his entourage, even in the absence of symptoms.
In cases of scabies occurring in adults:

Typical Treatment for Scabies:

External Pest Control with Permethrin Cream: After a soap shower (stripping of the stratum corneum of the skin making it accessible to the parasite treatment), patients apply the lotion to brush over the surface of the body except the face and scalp. Take a shower 24 hours later and change all clothing. Itching may persist usually a few days after treatment; Disinfect clothes by washing in borax soap (20 Mule Team Borax as local Walmart or grocery store is great) In cases of secondary bacterial infection of excoriations, the oral antibiotics and local disinfection are essential.

Is There a Natural Treatment for Scabies?

There are natural lotions, creams and soaps that are effective. Dermisil makes a great scabies lotion and bar soap that is highly effective at killing and scabies treatment. Hygiene is the number one way to prevent re-infection. Disinfection sprays such as Benzarid are highly effective at killing the scabies mites in car seats, couches, bedding etc. Bedding should be changed 1-2 times per day to prevent re-contamination, soiled clothing, as well as sheets and towels should be washed immediately in borax laundry detergent on highest settings. We must also repeat the treatment 4-7 days later to cover the period between egg laying and hatching and mite lifecycle, as no product is completely effective in killing eggs. It is unnecessary to shave the hair. BenzaRid type disinfectants should also be used on contaminated objects (couch, carpet, mattresses, toiletries, etc..). It is normal for the itching to persist for several days or weeks even after successful treatment. However, if it persists more than a month after treatment, the patient should see additional medical advice and or repeat treatments
.
What are the causes of Scabies Treatment failure?

The incomplete treatment of of the body with either natural products or chemicals;
Non-treatment of persons with whom the patient has had close contact;
The second application 4-7 days later is not compeleted;
Not applying the product c;
The environmental measures are not implemented. Not properly disinfecting (washing clothes and bedding) and sitting areas with products like BenzaRid.

Scabies Itching of the Body Below the Neck Line?

Generally itching in the folds of the skin and anywhere below the neck-line can indicate a scabies infection. However there can be many other cause of these symptoms such as rash, allergic reactions, eczema, etc that have nothing to do with scabies. The lines or rows on the skin can be detected by sight. The doctor put a drop of mineral oil and lightly scratching the skin with a scalpel to obtain a sample of scales and send it to a laboratory for evaluation, or you can attempt to do this skin scraping yourself with a microscope or 30x or higher pocket microscope. Be warned that many doctors can not tell if you have scabies and we have heard of many instances where doctors were of no help and it led to individuals having to do self-diagnosis to determine what was wrong with them. The mites or their eggs or feces are then visible under a microscope. When the furrows are difficult to collect, the doctor applies to the skin a special blue or black ink. Much ink is absorbed by a blotter and only the grooves retain the color. Wood’s light is another useful diagnostic tool. The doctor uses a special antibiotic solution on the skin, after which he wipes. Ultraviolet light of this, which is located in a narrow band of wavelengths, allows the physician to directly observe the paths of mites.
Who is Likely to Catch Scabies?

Anyone who comes into contact with a scabies infection is likely to be infested, adult and child. There is NO socioeconomic barrier with scabies. Rich and poor can become infected with the mite. Although orphanages and homeless are more susceptible to infection, anyone may become infected with the mite.
How do People with Scabies Prevent Transmission?

Any sleep or sexual partner, even if he or she has no symptoms, should be treated. You should avoid sharing the same bedding, sitting, blankets, clothing and towels. Please use common sense as infection can occur by any method of touching or sitting where an infected person has sat.

Please spend just 4 minutes and carefully read. It could change your quality of life:

The treatment of scabies should be made particularly quickly and carefully because of the risk of re-contamination among your family and people you come into contact with can be fairly rapid and can quickly become out of control. Many people understandably panic when considering scabies. I know I did! Be practical and calm in your approach and follow these simple steps:

• Prior medical consultation. You should not treat just because you “think” you have scabies. Make sure there is a proper diagnosis first! A skin scraping might be the first place to start, but if you are pretty sure then I would move on pretty quickly to treatment and containment of a scabies outbreak. The longer you wait, the worse it is going to be for you and your family!

• Obtain a skin scraping from a dermatologist or do a self administered skin scraping with mineral oil and a microscope or 30-45x pocket microscope. Skin scrapings are not always conclusive, however my experience is it take weeks if not months to get into a dermatologist, and once you do I hate to say it but most doctors don’t know what they are doing with skin scrapings or scabies for that fact. I was desperate to find out out first hand what I had. I bought a mini microscope and found out myself in just a few minutes. Just dab some baby or mineral oil on the affected area and scape it off with a glass slide. You will see the mites under the microscope. It will take some time but keep looking. You will be HORRIFIED but will know for sure!!  A pocket microscope or standard microscope is the fastest way to determine if you have the scabies mite or not.

• The treatment of your children and partners in key to your success, members of the family living under the same roof and all people with itching in the entourage (family, children, friends, pets and I talk about pets below) people you have been in close contact with will need to be treated to be sure you will not spread it to others or WORSE, re-infect yourself in the future.

• Washing EVERYTHING in at least 110 degrees hot water or above with borax soap (20 Mule Team Borax) is available at local grocery stores like Walmart, Target, local grocery store, etc. Dry on HIGH!

• For Mattresses, sofas, sofas, upholstery, car seats use a serious and proven mite disinfectant like BenzaRid spray. You can buy it online and or Fossil Shell Dust which is a natural dust that safely eliminates the mites in your environment.

• Mattress covers! Use them! You will need to take them off an wash them daily or use the BenzaRid to kill the mites on your bedding daily.

• CUT OUT SUGAR! Sounds crazy but these buggers like sugar. Why not cut out sugar for a week or two to get better? I did and it helps!!

• Immune Boosters – Get on them. Your immune system can’t fight the mites by itself but you will need to be strong to battle them and a weak immune system will just make getting rid of the mites a harder and longer process. Naturasil makes a great one that is mushroom based called Naturasil  Immune Renew, or you can get a colostrum (cow or bovine) based one at your local health food store. I write more about this below.

• Treatment with oatmeal baths and itch control product like “cortizone cream” should be considered AFTER or IN-BETWEEN treatments. Why? It can interfere with whatever lotions that you will use to kill the mites. This certainly will not kill scabies but will alleviate some of the symptoms of itching and scabies rash.

• Traditional scabies have burrows at the folds of the skin and DOES NOT GO ABOVE THE NECK LINE. Above the neck line means something else. Possibly bird or rat mites. Believe me they can host on you too. Treatment for bird or rat mites is generally the same, but much more intense in how much time it can take to get rid of them. Following a good hygiene protocol is the key.

• Pets can be a problem too. Human mites such as scabies do not live on pets such as dogs or cats for just a few days, however think about it. If the can live for a few days, then you probably don’t want your pets being around you while you are treating or you could get a “ping pong” effect of giving it back and forth to you or your other family members just but letting a dog or cat sleep or cuddle with you. I have talked to people who have experience just this same problem. Use common sense. It is best to keep the pets away and or possibly treat them as well during a scabies infestation. I talk about some pet treatment options below.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT CHOICES:

• Benzyl benzonate: One can use benzyl benzoate lotion prescribed by a doctor. Benzyl benzoate is not always effective, as scabies mites have proven to become immune to this treatment. This lotion is generally applied to the entire body except the face and genital area for several days in between mite life cycles. Most people, just like me already tried one or several of these options to only find that it knocks them back for a day or two and they come charging right back.

• Permethrin cream 5-10%: is often the most prescribed by a doctor, but it has shown that scabies mites are very resistant to this chemical pesticide treatment as they have built up an immunity to it and mutated away from its effectiveness to the poison. I tried it several times. It would knock them back for a day then be right back again the next 1-2 days. I used this first and it made me feel ill for a few days after the treatments. I honestly would try something else before trying it. Considering permethrin is known carcinogen, and a very common flea and tick medication for dogs and cats which is also well-known for not working well, but at very high concentrations on animals. Of course this makes me even less comfortable about using permethrin at all!

• Lindane poison cream. same as above.

• Oral Ivermectin -Also known as stromectol  (which is what you give your dogs and cats orally for heartworm prevention) occasionally prescribed but not recommended for children. A doctor must determine the dosage. I would recommend this as the absolute last resort.

NATURAL TREATMENTS:

• Naturasil Scabies Cream, liquid bath products, and Sulfur-Lavender Soap are the BEST! They are natural and worked for me on my scabies rash within two mite cycles (Less than a week) to kill the scabies mites.
• If you look into the Naturasil company Nature’s Innovation they are a solid BBB rated A+, been around for 8 years, and the founder is well-respected and a naturopath who developed these homeopathic treatments specifically for scabies.

• Naturasil liquid product plus the sulfur-lavender soap plus epson salts bath = RELIEF. Then use the Naturasil cream after drying off. DO NOT WASH OFF! You have to do this 1-2 times per day if you are serious about getting rid of this!

• Immune System Booster like Naturasil Immune RenewSome people who have had problems with these invisible biting mites also have immune system problems and may not even be aware of it. I believe that these mites are attracted to certain people, and some may attract them way more than others by having a low immune system which must put off some odorless signal to the mites.. Those “carriers” really need to focus along with the family on eating right, taking an immune booster, again order it online if you can’t find it at the store. I take Naturasil’s Immune Renew and it works pretty well. It is mushroom based. Others are cow colostrum based and I really don’t like the thought of taking colostrum (from new born cow’s milk) from a cow.

• Candida or Yeast Infection has been linked to mites. The technical term is candida albicans or yeast infection that is systemic in your body. The science behind this is not know but some theorize that candida emits some type of odor the mites can smell and are attracted to.  It is not just in women, it can be in men too. You do not have to have symptoms of it to have it in your body. Take either drugs from the doctor (antibiotics specific to it) or natural food supplements to kill off this harmful yeast in your system. A good natural food supplement is Naturasil Candida Clear.

• I have seen and tried everything naturally from neem and caranja, to olive oil. I tried a ton of this stuff. Truth is some of it knocks them back for a day or two, but I NEVER GOT RID OF IT COMPLETELY using these other treatments. Be sure to use the BenzaRid environmental spray to kill the mites on your bed, chairs, car seats, work chair, you name it. Don’t forget to spray where your pets lay, and their bedding too. Remember even though pets don’t host human scabies, they can ping pong it back and fourth to you by sleeping or cuddling with them. So please eliminate that possibility.

• The best natural treatment I used is hands down Naturasil scabies cream, bath products and soaps which are generally sulfur and natural plant extract based were highly effective. After using their creams and soaps for 1 week I could finally sleep at night!!  I was finally over the nightmare!!

• PS – I have a large family. I broke down and bought the Scabies Family Pack. It is the best deal by far.
• Most people prefer natural methods to kill scabies as pesticides have known carcinogens and can be harmful to personal health, but you be the judge. I just want to provide all the information and let you decide which method is right for you.

NATURAL MITE TREATMENTS FOR PETS:

• I have heard from many people who think their mite problem was brought in by their pet. I can tell you pet mange or “sarcoptic scabies or sarcoptic mange” is NOT contagious to a human. You  can temporarily be infected by sarcoptic mites but not permanently. Human scabies and animal scabies are two different types of mites completely. On the other hand there are many types of bird or rat mites that can host on both humans and pets at the same time. Generally itching is over the entire body including the head and more so at night. Traditional scabies have burrows at the folds of the skin and DOES NOT GO ABOVE THE NECK LINE. Above the neck line means something else. Possibly bird or rat mites. Believe me they can host on you too. Nonetheless treatments are pretty much the same as outlines above. The Naturasil pet mite products are great for naturally killing mites on animals.

• Don’t forget that pets can be carriers of human mites such as sarcoptic mites can host for even a short time on your pets such as dogs, cats, pet birds, mice, rats. Bird and rat mites can host of both humans and animals indefinitely. Use common sense. If you have a pet you want to either limit contact with it or send it elsewhere while you treat so that you are not “ping ponging” mites back and forth between you and a pet. Naturasil makes great natural pet mange treatment products to be sure that you are keeping your environment safe and keep the pets our of your mite problem.

LASTLY SOME OTHER SUGGESTIONS FROM MY READERS:

• I have had some people tell me that MSM pills, garlic pills, and immune system boosters from a natural foods store may help. These all still require a very rigorous treatment regiment, this is not in place of treatment but to aid and speed it up.

• I have also heard that pomegranate extract in either liquid or pills can help. Why this might help I have no idea but i am just conveying a number of messages I have received.

• Organic apple cider, same as above, why I don’t know but taking has said to help some with also following the above treatments.

• Air mattresses are helpful if you don’t want to be changing your actual bed every 5 minutes. You would still need to sanitize it with BenzaRid or equivalent but it may cut down on some cleaning at least once a day.

• Plastic trash bags are a great idea to store your clothes, towels, sheets in if they are dirty and you don’t have time to clean them. It;s also a safe place for clean clothes just don’t mix them up.

I managed to get ahold of a coupon code for 15% OFF! Use code “NAT15″ on checkout for ALL the Naturasil products. You will save a ton of money. I hope this helps.

Jim S.

First get a game plan together and purchase all of your products BEFORE starting your treatment. If you just try one thing here, and one thing there your success rate will be further diminished. I know from personal experience.

Some things you may need to pick up or order before get started:

• Borax soap for laundry (20 Mule Team Borax is good, cheap, and generally vailable at Walmart or grocery stores)
• New vacuum cleaner bags and a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner.
• New mattress covers for all beds that could be infected with scabies. You can buy cheaper plastic ones for $30 or expensive washable/breathable ones for $75-$125 or more. I would recommend the more expensive ones because you will want to repeated wash them over time.
• Extra sheets to cover couches and anywhere you sit regularly so you can wash them daily.
• Serious anti-microbial spray for your couches, bedding, mattress covers, car seats, anywhere you or your pets sit. BenaRid is one of the best on the market. It is hospital grade and it works with little if any odor. If you are thinking about using Lysol that is OK I guess, but first no one knows if it really kills scabies, and secondly keep in mind that it has phenols in it. Phenols are deadly and cancer causing to humans. Lysol is serious poison to you and your family. Why wants to lay on that and  breath  it in?? I sure don’t!
• Benadryl lotion or tablets to help with scabies itching
• Sulfur soap. Dermisil makes a great one that also has antimicrobial lavender in it which helps reduce the sulfur smell of the soap. You will want at least 2 bars per person to cover the 1-3 weeks you will need to treat.
• Decide which treatment you will use:
• Dr. prescribed Permethrin cream (it is a carcinogen and pesticide but it may work. My experience is that I treated three times with it and felt sick afterward and it dint work.
• Dr. Prescribed Lindane. Same as above a carcinogen and pesticide.
• Dr. Prescribed benzyl benzoate lotion. I think it is less toxic but does not really work either.
• Ivermectin pills from the doctor. This is the same pesticide that you put on your dog and cat’s neck to get rid of fleas and ticks monthly. It has reported mixed results but may actually work if done a few times. I would use this as my VERY LAST resort as again its a posion that is used on animals.
• Dermisil cream. This is based on sulfur and I have personally used it. This is my first choice. It is expensive but worth the money. It is not a pesticide and sulfur has been used for hundreds of years to treat this. Reports say that Napoleon used it to get rid of scabies.
• Dermisil liquid. I used this along with the soaps and creams. Works great, but follow their treatment regiment to a tee! They sell the stuff in packs which helps on the costs. Also since I’m sure their stuff works pretty well they sent me a coupon code I will share with you. Type in “10OFF” at checkout and yous should get 10% off.
• A Microscope is invaluable. If you or your kids don’t have one, then just buy a pocket size one that is at least 30-45x in power for less than $20. You will use this to take tape samples or mineral oil scraping to try and identify if in fact you have scabies or some other human mite. If you have not figured out yet, the doctors don’t really know much about scabies so it will be left up to you to do your homework to actually get rid of these things including your own skin scrapings etc.
• Read my section below on food supplements you should consider buying to help with your treatment.

PETS & SCABIES

• If you have pets consider treating them as well. Dermisil makes a great pet product to kill scabies mites on your pets. Even though animal scabies (sarcoptic mange) are not the same types of mites that infect humans, pets have been known to harbor human mites if even for a few days, which mean it can be transmitted back to you. I would also not let my pets sleep with me which trying to get rid of this. It just makes sense.

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS, SCABIES, AND BODY CHEMISTRY:

After doing tons of research on the subject I came to the conclusion that scabies like certain people’s body chemistry including mine! I am one of those people who mosquitoes can find out in a crowd. Mosquitoes love me. You say what do mosquitoes have to do with scabies? Well I just think that some people are predisposed to bugs liking them because of their body chemistry. Scabies and human mites are no different.

So here is a list of a few food supplements that after doing research I feel could help with changing your body chemistry.

• Pomegranite extract tablets
• MSM sulfur extract tablets
• 40% ellagic acid tablets
• Immune Boosters such as Dermisil Immune Renew. Some are colostrum (cow) based and others are mushroom based. I prefer the mushroom one that Dermisil has.
• Good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. GNC or any health food store has great ones. Don’t fool with Centrum etc. Cheap is not going to help here.
• STOP EATING SUGAR! These bugs seem to love sugar and just stop at least until you get rid of them!

I can’t real;ly tell you how much of these supplements to take because I’m not a doctor. You will need to decide for your self which ones and how much. All I know is this helped me out immensely!

NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL MY STUFF?

RE-INFECTION IS THE #1 WAY YOU WILL EITHER NOT GET RID OF SCABIES OR KEEP GETTING IT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE!!

First get a game plan on how you will treat first then clean, clean, clean, and more cleaning!!

Laundry and vacuuming are going to be a daunting but necessary 2x a day task. Wash and dry EVERYTHING twice a day. Use the borax soap as it is known to kill scabies mites for sure. Linens, blankets, clothes, wash cloths, towels, sheets you sit on your couch etc, etc. Use typical logic when considering where you sit and what you do in your house, car or at work.

Put new mattress covers on all beds where people sleep that are or could be infected. Why? because you want to eliminate any source of where scabies can be harbored. Wash those covers down with BenzaRid or wash them daily in borax.

Vacuum EVERYTHING daily, and change the bag out daily, and put it in the trash can outside!

Treat with your treatment of choice according to the directions. I used all the other stuff  but Dermisil was the only thing that really worked for me. I used their liquid, topical cream, sulfur soap, and the BenzaRid spray. I soaked in the tub with the liquid, then used the soap head to toe, then the cream. Wash everything like crazy and spray the BenzaRid on everything. I took all the supplements listed above and cut out sugar compeletly.

Only after doing all the above did I get rid of the scabies!!