Intense itching that is worst at night, tiny bumps and streaks between the fingers, and several family members scratching at the same time are the classic picture of scabies, a skin infestation by a tiny mite. It is extremely itchy, easily passes between people living together, and is common in crowded settings. Scabies is easily treated with proper medicines, but only if everyone who has been in close contact is treated together. This guide explains how scabies looks and spreads, how it is treated, and where homeopathy fits in as supportive care.
Wondering which of these medicines is right for you?
Every person with scabies is different, and so is the medicine that works best for them. To discover the best-suited homeopathic medicines for scabies for you, consult our experts. They will study your symptoms, your past treatment history and your personality, and then find the homeopathy medicines that suit you best.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today.
Scabies: quick answers
- What is it? A skin infestation by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), which burrows into the skin and causes severe itching.
- Typical signs: Itching worse at night, tiny bumps, thin wavy lines (burrows) between the fingers and on the wrists, waistline, genitals and, in babies, palms and soles.
- How it spreads: Through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and by sharing bedding, clothes and towels with an infected person.
- Treatment: Prescription scabicide cream or lotion (such as permethrin) or tablets (ivermectin), for the patient and all close contacts at the same time, plus washing linen.
- Homeopathy: Offered only as supportive care for the itch and skin; it does not kill the mites, so medical treatment must not be delayed.
About scabies
Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows into the top layer of the skin, where the female lays her eggs. The intense itching is an allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste, and it usually starts two to six weeks after the first infestation (and much sooner if you have had scabies before). The itch is typically worst at night and the scratching can lead to sores and secondary bacterial infection.
The rash consists of tiny red bumps and thin, wavy, grey or skin-coloured lines called burrows, most often between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, buttocks and genitals. In babies and young children, the face, scalp, palms and soles can also be involved. People with weak immunity or the elderly can develop crusted (Norwegian) scabies, a severe, highly contagious form.
Scabies spreads easily in families, hostels, schools, care homes and crowded housing, and it is not a sign of poor hygiene. The mite cannot survive for more than two to three days away from a human host, so treatment depends on killing the mites on the body, treating all contacts at the same time, and washing bedding, clothes and towels in hot water to prevent reinfection.
Common symptoms of scabies
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common ones include:
- Severe itching, particularly at night, which can disturb sleep
- Tiny red bumps and thin, wavy burrows between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline and genitals
- Scratch marks, sores and crusts that may become infected
- Itching in several people in the same household or hostel at the same time
- In babies, blisters and itchy spots on the palms, soles and scalp
- Thick crusted patches in the elderly or people with weak immunity (crusted scabies)
Causes and risk factors of scabies
There is rarely a single cause. Factors that may contribute include:
- Infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei hominis
- Close skin-to-skin contact with an infested person for a prolonged time
- Sharing bedding, clothes or towels with an infested person
- Crowded living conditions, hostels, shelters, schools and care homes
- Weak immunity, which allows crusted scabies
- Not related to personal hygiene or dirt
When to see a doctor
Scabies needs treatment with a prescription medicine from a doctor, and all close contacts should be treated at the same time. See a doctor if:
- You have severe night-time itching, especially if others in the household are also itching
- The skin is red, swollen, painful, or has pus, which suggests a bacterial infection
- Itching continues for more than four weeks after treatment (re-treatment or another diagnosis may be needed)
- The patient is a baby, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, an elderly person or has weak immunity
- Thick, crusted patches appear, which suggest crusted scabies and need specialist treatment
Homeopathic medicines for scabies
The medicines below are commonly considered in homeopathy for scabies, with the symptom picture traditionally associated with each. They are listed for general information, not as a prescription.
(1) Sulphur: The best-known traditional medicine for itchy skin eruptions, with intense itching and burning that is worse at night, from warmth of the bed and from washing, in people who are hot and untidy.
(2) Psorinum: Intense itching worse at night and in warmth, with a dirty, greasy and offensive skin, chilliness and a tendency to relapses.
(3) Mercurius solubilis: Itching and eruptions with pus, worse from the warmth of the bed and at night, with offensive sweat and a tendency to swollen glands.
(4) Arsenicum album: Dry, burning, scaly itching eruptions that are relieved by heat, with restlessness, weakness and anxiety.
(5) Sepia: Itching in the bends of the elbows and knees, relieved temporarily by scratching, in women with hormonal changes and tiredness.
(6) Causticum: Itching eruptions with rawness and soreness of the skin, worse in cold, dry weather and at night, with sensitivity.
(7) Rhus toxicodendron: Intense, burning, vesicular itching that is relieved by hot water and worse at night, with restlessness and stiffness.
(8) Graphites: Itching eruptions oozing a sticky, honey-like fluid, with cracks in skin folds and a tendency to constipation.
(9) Staphysagria: Itching that moves from place to place after scratching, with eruptions that ooze, in sensitive people who hold in anger.
(10) Silicea terra: Slow-healing, suppurating, itchy eruptions in chilly, weak people with a tendency to boils and sweating of the feet.
Homeopathic treatment of scabies at Welling Homeopathy
These are only basic indications – many more homeopathic medicines are used for scabies, and the right one is chosen after detailed case-taking by an experienced doctor.
Homeopathy is offered as supportive care for the itching and skin irritation of scabies. There is no reliable scientific evidence that homeopathic medicines kill the scabies mite, and untreated scabies keeps spreading to others. Please use the prescribed scabicide treatment, and treat all close contacts at the same time.
To find out about our care for this condition, see a consultation at a Welling clinic, contact a Welling clinic or call +91 80 80 850 950 for a consultation in person or online.
Self-care and lifestyle tips
These measures support general health and may ease symptoms, but they do not replace treatment when it is needed.
- Apply the scabicide cream or lotion exactly as your doctor prescribes: usually to the whole body from the neck down (and the scalp and face in babies and the elderly), left on for 8 to 14 hours, and repeated after a week.
- Treat all household members and close contacts at the same time, even if they have no itching.
- Wash bedding, towels and clothes worn in the past three days in hot water (at least 60 °C) and dry in the sun or a hot dryer; seal items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag for 72 hours.
- Trim nails short to reduce scratching, and keep the skin clean and moisturised.
- Ask your doctor about a soothing cream or an antihistamine at night for the itching, which can continue for two to four weeks after successful treatment.
- Avoid close contact and sharing bedding until treated, and keep children at home until treatment has been completed.
- Do not use unproven or harsh home remedies such as kerosene or insecticides on the skin.
Frequently asked questions about scabies
1. How do I know if I have scabies?
Severe itching that is worse at night, with tiny bumps and wavy burrows between the fingers and on the wrists and waist, especially if others at home also itch, is typical. A doctor can confirm it.
2. Is scabies a sign of poor hygiene?
No. Scabies can affect anyone and spreads through close skin contact, regardless of cleanliness.
3. Why must the whole family be treated?
People can carry mites without yet having symptoms and pass them back. Treating everyone at the same time prevents reinfection.
4. Why does the itching continue after treatment?
The itch is an allergic reaction that can last two to four weeks after the mites are killed. If it continues beyond four weeks, or new burrows appear, go back to your doctor.
5. Can homeopathy cure scabies?
There is no reliable scientific evidence that homeopathy kills the scabies mite. It can be used as supportive care alongside medical treatment, but should never replace the prescribed scabicide.
6. How long can scabies mites live away from the body?
Usually only two to three days, which is why washing bedding and clothes in hot water and treating the person is enough to stop re-infestation.
7. Can scabies be treated in pregnancy and in babies?
Yes, with medicines that your doctor will choose as safe for these groups. Please do not self-treat; consult a doctor.
Related Reading
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Skin Rashes
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Fungal Infection of the Skin
- Speciality Homeopathy Treatment Of Eczema
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Psoriasis
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Boils
More guides you may find useful
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Dry Skin
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Keloids and Scars
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Acne Scars
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Chickenpox
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
