Home Remedies for Scabies or Body Lice

Scabies is a skin condition caused by small mites known as Sarcoptes scabies. Body lice are small, wingless, gray insects that live on human hair and skin. Both cause acute itching, redness and irritation by feeding off human blood and laying eggs on or underneath the skin. Most infestations are eradicated through the use of topical creams or anti-louse shampoos. However, several home remedies and precautions can be taken to eradicate Sarcoptes scabies and body lice.

Cleaning

• Clean your house and any materials that may have come in contact with lice or mites. This will help prevent transmission and recurrence of infection. Wash all bed sheets and clothes in hot, soapy water. Dry them in high heat to kill residual lice, nits, eggs or mites. If you cannot wash a particular material, put it in a sealed plastic bag and place the bag away from your living area. Any mites that are infesting the material will die after about a week of being deprived of a host. Vacuum and steam the carpet and curtains.

Itching

• Several remedies can be applied at home to reduce symptoms of itching. Apply calamine lotion directly to the affected skin to dull itching. Take antihistamines or pain relievers for any pain associated with scabies or sores. Fill a bath will cool or cold water and immerse your body in it for several minutes. Do not scrub the body or use shampoos with alcohol or harsh soaps. Do not use kerosene to kill body lice or scabies.

Remedies

• Extract the juice of apricot leaves and apply it directly to the skin to help treat lesions.

  Take 500g to 600g drumstick leaf juice mixed with an equal quantity of sesame seed oil and heat it until the water boils away. Let it cool before applying it to any lesions on the skin.

  Apply neem leaf paste mixed with equal parts mustard oil and turmeric powder to the affected skin and leave it there for about an hour. Bathe to wash the paste off. Repeat this process for seven to 10 days to heal lesions on the skin.

  If scabies or body lice are not eradicated through home remedies, seek medical help. A doctor may prescribe a topical cream to kill scabies or an anti-louse shampoo to kill body lice. Follow your doctor's instructions and continue treatment for the full recommended time period.