Scabies is caused by an infestation of the itch mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Mites are eight-legged parasites which are just 1/3 of a millimetre in length. These mites burrow into the human skin and will cause intense itching. The mites which are not visible to the eye consequently cause the condition known as scabies.

Scabies produces small red bumps and blisters and tend to target specific areas of the body such as between the fingers, the wrists and the backs of the elbows, the knees, around the waist, the sides and backs of the feet, the genital area, and the buttocks. The bumps, also known as papules may also contain blood crusts. However, not every papule may contain a mite as in most cases of scabies there are no more than 10 or 15 live mites within the body regardless of the number of bumps and pimples.

If you catch scabies, it is important to remember that it is not a reflection of personal hygiene or that you are 'dirty'. The condition can be caught as a result of simple physical contact such as hugging. Elderly people can often catch scabies from retirement homes as can children in schools. The most common way of catching the condition however is via sexual contact which is the most common form of transmission. Scabies mites are very sensitive to their environment and are only able to exist within a human body for 24 to 36 hours under most conditions.

The most common symptom of scabies is itching which tends to be constant and extremely intense. The itch will usually become worse at night. For the first week, the itch may be subtle, but gradually becomes worse until it may become difficult to sleep at all. What makes the itch of scabies distinctive is that fact that it is relentless in contrast to other 'itchy' conditions such as eczema which rarely prevents the sufferer from sleeping. You will also likely notice small burrows under the surface of the skin and sores caused by itching.

There are many conventional treatments which can be used to treat scabies. You can apply a mite-killer cream such as permethrin. This cream is applied from the neck down, left on overnight, and then washed off the following day. An oral medication such as ivermectin is an effective scabicide but the disadvantage of ivermectin is that it has a greater risk of toxic side effects than creams and is not necessarily more effective in treating the scabies. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also be useful in helping provide relief from itching. It is also advisable to wash linens and bedclothes in hot water.

However, it is important to understand that there are a significant number of natural treatments and remedies which contain key ingredients available that will effectively treat scabies and prevent the condition from returning. Natural oils can be far more beneficial and gentle to the skin and actually reduce any potential scarring caused by the mites and continual itching. These remedies also help to reduce the risk of sores becoming infected and kill the scabies from the inside. In addition, they revive the skin to a healthy condition quicker than that of conventional methods and without some of the unpleasant side effects. Here at Megavista, we can save you valuable research time by providing you with the best information possible on how to effectively treat and cure scabies via natural, alternative treatments.

For more information on how to naturally treat scabies, please go to Megavista Health.

Author's Bio: 

Laura Yates is a Holistic Health Writer for Megavista-Health. Megavista-Health's mission is simple. We aim to bring you the best information available from around the world on health and nutrition. We address the holistic approach to health, focusing on stress reduction, detoxification, correct nutrition, exercise and acid-alkaline balance.