Scabies Treatment Over the Counter

Most skin infections are written off as rashes or allergic reactions. However it is not always so. There are certain skin infections which are caused by bacteria and other micro-organisms. Scabies is one of these skin infections. Symptoms of scabies rash are given in this article with details about scabies treatment over the counter.

Scabies is a skin disease which is caused by very small itch mites, which affect humans and animals like cats and dogs. These itch mites can't survive on their own for more than three days. But on a host's body, they can live for months or even years. The scabies mites lay eggs in the host's body. These eggs later hatch and grow into adult mites. So, it is very necessary to eliminate the scabies mites and its eggs from the body. Products called scabicides are used to kill the itch mites and eggs in the body.

The common symptoms of scabies are severe itching, skin rash which are red in color and blisters on the skin. Scabies generally affects body areas like the wrists, between toes and fingers, armpits, abdomen, nipples, groin, soles of feet, scalp, and face. There are many natural, homeopathic, and allopathic, over the counter treatment for scabies. To cure this itchy disease, use the following scabies treatment over the counter.

Natural Scabies Treatment

Scabies in humans can be treated and prevented by natural oils. The most popular natural medicines for scabies are tea tree oil and neem oil. Such oils have medicinal properties. These oils help to heal and soothe the itchy skin.

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a very effective scabies treatment. Benefits of tea tree oil have been widely heralded especially because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. Apply drops of tea tree oil on the affected area in the morning and night for scabies home treatment.
• Neem Oil: Neem oil is very adept at eliminating skin infections. Use neem oil for scabies treatment over the counter. Apply drops of neem oil to the affected area, twice in a day. Another alternative natural scabies treatment using neem oil, is to soak in a bubble bath with 150 ml neem tree oil. Read more on neem oil - natural cure for eczema
• Lavender Oil: Use lavender oil for over the counter treatment for scabies. Clean the affected scabies area. Rub the affected area with generous amount of lavender oil and alcohol. This treatment of scabies will soothe the skin and prevent itching.

Medicinal Treatment for Scabies Cure

Cures for scabies include topical creams. Such creams are very effective. These creams might emit a bad smell, but they kill the scabies mites thoroughly. Along with skin irritation, one might experience pain. Oral antihistamines can be used to provide relief from scabies pain. Oral dosage of ivermectin is also used to treat scabies. However, ivermectin is not approved by the FDA.

• Sulfur Creams: Sulfur creams are excellent over the counter treatment for scabies. Use a 2.5% concentrate sulfur cream for infants, and 10% concentrate for adults. Take a bath before going to bed and then apply the cream from head to toe. Repeat this process for 3 consecutive nights. On the fourth day you can have your normal shower.
• Permethrin: This scabies treatment over the counter is to be used only for adults. Buy a 5% concentrated cream. Take a shower and massage yourself with the cream from head to toe. Leave this cream on for 8 -10 hours, and wash off the cream with a shower.
• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines are very helpful over the counter treatment for scabies. They provide relief from itching and they also help in sleeping. Buy a 10 mg antihistamine containing hydroxyzine. Take this antihistamine once in a day for treatment of scabies.

Scabies Treatment for Dogs

Scabies in dogs is called mange. Scabies affects all breeds and sizes of dogs. For over the counter scabies treatment, use a medicated shampoo for dogs. There are also oral over the counter scabies treatment available for dogs. Consult your vet before using any oral treatment. Keep the bedding of your dog clean. Prevent mange in your pet, by regular bathing and scrubbing.

Important Caution About Scabies:

To completely eliminate scabies, it is important to keep these following things in mind. These tips will help you in prevention and cure of scabies.

• Seek medical aid when the above, over the counter treatment for scabies fail to give relief.
• Before using any product for scabies treatment, read the instructions on the label properly.
• In some cases, itching might continue for few days even after treatment.
• In pets, symptoms might worsen while undergoing treatment for skin disorders caused by scabies.
• Avoid any contact with a scabies affected person or animal.
• Wash your towels, clothing and bedsheets. Dry them in a hot dryer.
• Scabies itch mites thrive in places like garbage dumps and can't survive in clean places. Keep your surroundings clean to prevent the growth and spread of scabies mites.

If the itching is very severe, for instant relief use calamine lotion to soothe the skin. Take preventive measures to keep your surrounding scabies free. With the above scabies treatment over the counter, you can easily cure scabies.