Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by mites that dig under the skin, where they lay their eggs. One of the best home treatments for scabies is the use of garlic. In a study cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial properties. It is a compound in garlic called "allicin" that gives it these properties.
Separate the cloves from a garlic bulb, and peel all of the cloves.
Place the cloves in a garlic press one at a time, and press. If you do not have a garlic press, you can chop the cloves into tiny pieces by hand with a sharp knife. Put the minced garlic pieces into a small glass jar.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the garlic in the jar, and stir.
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Test a small patch of skin with the garlic and olive oil mixture. If you feel a slight burning, add a teaspoon of olive oil to dilute the garlic further. People with sensitive skin may have difficulty using straight garlic and may need to cut the mixture even more.
Apply the garlic and olive oil mixture directly to the scabies rash. Cover the garlic-covered skin with plastic wrap, and leave on for at least an hour. Repeat twice daily if possible. If you have not seen improvement within 10 days, see a physician or dermatologist for proper diagnosis.
Peel a clove of raw garlic and cut it in half. Rub the flat side of the cut clove against the scabies rash, then discard that clove. Repeat several times throughout the day.
Tip
Be aware that you will smell like garlic while undergoing this treatment. Wash all bedding, clothing and towels that have come into contact with scabies. Scabies is highly contagious, so avoid physical contact with others to prevent spread.
Warning
If you experience the feeling of burning or the garlic causes redness and inflammation, use the single clove of garlic only, and not the garlic/oil mix. Your skin may be too sensitive for the heavier treatment.
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Writer Bio
A certified nutritionist who majored in health, fitness and nutrition, Traci Vandermark has been writing articles in her specialty fields since 1998. Her articles have appeared both online and in print for publications such as Simple Abundance, "Catskill Country Magazine," "Birds and Blooms," "Cappers" and "Country Discoveries."