Ailment: Scabies

Remedy: Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, properties, traditional healing uses, recipes, warnings.

Comment posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 15 April 2024 at 12:7       5560

Reply to Comment 5559 posted by Sarah of Dallas, TX, USA on 14 April 2024.
Please read the Grow Youthful web page on Demodex mites. They can NOT reproduce in bedding, clothes, carpets etc. Heavy cleaning is not necessary to control mites.
If allergy to mites, dust etc is an issue, then cleaning as suggested in this comment makes good sense. But remember that the cleaning is not to control mites, it is to control allergies.

Comment posted by Sarah of Dallas, TX, USA on 14 April 2024 at 13:36       5559

YES
I've read many research articles and there are bacterium that the mites produce that can further cause inflammation and issues, so hydrogen peroxide does work to rid the anaerobic bacteria. Studies show that Terpenen 4, found in tea tree oil, works to kill then with no side effects. Clove oil eugenol is also proven to kill them. Rosacea is caused by demodex infestation. Demodex live on us but usually do not become a problem unless there is poor hygiene or lowered immune system. Make sure to take zinc, C, D, and B vitamins and wash regularly and use cleansing cloths to remove excess oil. Washing bedding on a sanitization cycle and high heat dry cycle will keep bedding clean. Vacuum mattress between washes to suck up dead skin and mites. Use a dust mite protector on pillows and mattress, as those with demodex infections usually have allergies anyway due to immune system issues. Allerease is a good brand, make sure weave is proper micron protection level.

Comment posted by Danielle of Burlington, Vermont, USA on 9 December 2013 at 5:38       1604

A month ago I started having all the same symptoms, not soon after my younger children did too only milder if there is such a thing. It started with itchy heads and I treated for lice but then my left started in especially in the folds. Drs said it was eczema which clearly it is not. These things have attacked my ear so badly I can't even sleep on that side! I was given ivermectin which worked for a day or 2 till new eggs hatched and developed. I found that borax and peroxide baths help immensely but do not kill eggs in the follicles. These things are on all body parts in nose and even on tongue lips and gums....EWWW! Last night I did borax and peroxide bath and then blow dried my entire body it helped the most since this started and skin felt softer! Today I got tea tree oil which I'm adding to lotion and shampoo. I also got some Apple Cider Vinegar. Ingredients are acv, cayenne pepper powder and ginger root powder. I have read many positive reviews about acv and its mite killing power. My bf and I started taking 2 a day hopefully I can report positively about this! What I'm struggling with most is keeping home clean with having a full time job and children. I've read suggestions to wash bedding daily and dispose of pillows and buy new, maybe for someone who has money to do so but I just do not! I've sprayed with bleach/water and borax/peroxide/water but I think the borax clogs the sprayer so I an gonna try straining the solution. This is an ongoing battle! I believe either the kitten we rescued brought this into my home, or that my teenager has had them for a while but we thought he just has bad acne from teenage boy hormones! Either way doesn't matter, what matters is getting rid of it before my once beautiful face is disfigured for life! I hope this helps, I will post with updates of progress.

Question posted by Determined of Rotorua, what, new zealand on 11 June 2013 at 14:48       1194

Hi I am wanting to cure my husband and I from scabies naturally. I think we have caught it at very early stages - maybe a week, so we might be lucky to get rid of them before anything gets too bad. My partner is itchy and has the dots and burrows etc.. and I am not really itchy but feel tickly around the face, ears and inside my eyelids. We have purchased neem oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil as well as almond oil to mix with them. I also bought disinfectant to wash the house, clothes and linen and then dry them in the dryer. I don't want to buy anything else, I want to try and make do with what I have. I am just wondering, in what order would you put the oils on and what ratios do I mix, would you mix them all together, or do a different one everyday? I am also wondering if these oils are safe for the testicles, vagina, anus, eyelids (inside) and ears? and if so how to apply? Thank you!

Comment posted by Lucy of Rochester, NY, USA on 1 February 2013 at 19:22       932

YES
I have had skin irritations for about three years now. It started in my groin, and I was tested for every STD, including Herpes Simplex I and II. All tests came back negative. All symptoms were cyclic in nature and seemed to be worse during times of stress or before menstruation. It was maddening. I would also feel intense itching and a prickly sensation throughout my body, almost as though something was biting me. In April 2012, I had a raised bump on my left hip, it spiraled out of the main pustule and was hot to the touch as well as itchy. I didn't seek medical attention until I continued to experience pimple-like obstructions in and around my genitalia, buttocks and inner thighs. I tested positive for Staph, but negative for MRSA. I was prescribed oral medication, to be taken once a day for seven days. My symptoms came back after this period ended and I returned to the medical center. I was then prescribed Mupirocin Ointment, to be applied twice daily inside my nose, as I was told by my doctor that Staph lives and thrives within the nose. I found temporary relief, although my symptoms continued. I was then told to seek help through a dermatologist. I visited my primary doctor and he acted as though my symptoms were nothing to be concerned with. It seemed as though because I wasn't dying, despite the physical and psychological disturbances I was tormented by, he wasn't concerned with what I was coming to him with. I was told I might be dealing with folliculitis or keratosis pilaris, both of which are caused by demodex mites. Demodex mites are also known to be carriers of staph. I was also experiencing skin irritations on my arms, legs and chest. Random red bumps would appear in groups in these areas and they continue to appear, as though something is irritating my skin. I continue to feel itchy, as though something is biting at my skin, in random spots all over my body, specifically in areas where demodex mites are prone to: groin, chest, ears, face (t-zone, nose, eyebrows, eyelashes). Apparently these are all areas where sebaceous glands reside, and where demodex mites are prone to feed, as they are all oily and perfect breeding grounds for these disgusting and tenacious parasites. Since April 2012, I suffered from broken blood vessels on my left arm, left leg and face. Random raised bumps and pustules would form in and around these vessels. Some would come to a head, some would appear as reddish spots and would eventually fade, leaving a flaky patch. I decided to keep a diary of the symptoms I was experiencing. These symptoms would seem to appear from nowhere, developing overnight, and in numbers. Frustrated and desperate, I visited a dermatologist in December 2012, who told me I have a classic case of rosacea. While I expressed my concern about Staph rapidly raging throughout my body, as I was diagnosed with it, and found areas other than my face affected by whatever skin condition I might have, I was told there was no way such an affliction would cause havoc throughout my body. I wasn't convinced. I was prescribed Azelaic Acid, to apply to my face for five months. The derm was quite certain this was the quick fix to my problem, but I wasn't so sure. First of all, the medication was super pricey without insurance, costing $200+ for a small tube. Secondly, after researching the prescribed med, I wasn't convinced it was a miracle answer to my problems, especially considering my face wasn't the only location on my body which was affected by whatever is taking over my body. Sure, I have a genetic history of rosacea in my family, I'm fair-skinned and I've sun tanned, but haven't abused the sun. My use of cosmetics may have caused me to be predisposed to such a skin condition as rosacea, but I've never abused or over used make up, have never had to use foundation to mask skin issues. My consistent skincare regimens haven't included harsh ingredients which may have led to rosacea. For the most part, I've had fresh, dewy skin. I've had my bouts of pimples, but nothing that was devastating. Therefore, this sudden onset of skin issues and symptoms (itching and random pin-prick type sensations) leads me to believe an overpopulation of demodex mites are the cause of my chronic problems. Instead of using harsh, medically-prescribed ointments which are known to only be temporary relievers, I've been using a regimen of Tea Tree Oil and Almond Oil at night, after cleansing my face with Tisserand Anti-Bacterial Pure Vegetable Soap. While at first this soap was drying to my face,adding the Tea Tree Oil/Almond Oil seemed to improve the dryness. As Tea Tree Oil is known for its anti-bacterial properties, I've also found relief in the itching and inflammation demodex mites are known to cause. I've especially found it soothing to apply the Tea Tree Oil/Almond mix to my eyelids and eyelashes. I wake up with red, itchy, blood-shot, inflamed eyes. After applying the mixture, within minutes, my eyes are soothed and improved, Yet another reason to believe these mites are to blame for my symptoms. I've also experienced raised, red pimple-like bumps in my ears that turn into dry, flaky patches right around the time of the onset of symptoms on my face. I've been applying the Tea Tree Oil/Almond Oil solution to my ears and have found relief as well. I find it odd that while my dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea, I've found that simply applying the Tea Tree Oil regimen to affected areas has improved my symptoms, and that rosacea may not be the root cause to my problems, but that demodex mites are to blame. Since the onset of my skin problems in 2009, I've also experienced severe razor burn in the groin, in my armpits and on my legs after I shave. I resorted to using bikini-line Nair and while it seemed as though that was the answer, I still continue to experience severe irritation. I've spot-treated my folliculitis-type irritations with Mupirocin, and it does put my symptoms at bay, but isn't a true cure to my problems. It's literally and figuratively irritating most dermatologists/doctors do NOT recognize other reasons for such afflictions as rosacea, folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, such as demodex mites. I'm not one to invest in the expense and future side effects modern medicinal ointments and prescriptions offer. I've found temporary relief in the above mentioned regimens, but am hoping for a true answer to my dermatological problems. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Comment posted by Sydny of Toronto, ON, Canada on 21 December 2012 at 13:13       864

YES
Thank you for all of your advice everyone, it's helped alot. I'm still not certain what I have but I'm convinced its demodex. I'm waiting to hear the results of my demodex test, but I'm told the tests aren't always definitive. I went through a lot of what you all have - originally diagnosed with scabies (I don't have a lot of symptoms on my face other than occasional itching - it's early days for me, only 4 months of suffering). I went through 4 permethrin treatments plus 3 weeks of Ivermectin and I still had the creepy crawly feeling (worse afterward actually)and continued to get small, hard red bumps all over my body. My dermatologist told me it was overactive nerves close to the skin, put me on nerve meds, then when that didn't work, wanted to put me on anti-psychotics. All without even bothering to do a scraping. It was my family doctor that diagnosed scabies and was totally clueless after all of the treatments didn't work. It really is up to us to take control of our treatment. Don't let your doctor(s) tell you it is psychological - mites etc. are MUCH more common than this psychosematic disorder is. PET OWNERS, please be aware that tea tree oil is extremely toxic to dogs, cats and other animals. Do not touch your animal if you have tea tree products on your skin. Yes, there are tea tree products out there for pets but they are either extremely diluted or not approved by vets. Please consult your vet about the best way to handle the situation. My dog was exposed to a very small amount of diluted tea tree oil and became extremely ill. He's okay but is now on a regimen of anti-histamines and steroids. Very scary. I find that as long as I don't touch him or allow him to come into contact with anything that I've touched while having product on my skin it's okay. Wear long pants and long sleeves when you have product on you, especially if you allow your pet up on the furniture. I put the tea tree lotion/oils on with gloves or ziplock bags over my hands so that I can still pet him (I don't know anyone who can avoid touching their dog for weeks on end). I put the lotion or diluted oil on my hands before bed and avoid touching him until I wash it off the next morning. It's easier than you think, just be careful :)

Comment posted by Janine of Canberra, ACT, Australia on 10 July 2012 at 19:40       693

YES
Tea tree oil really works on scabies! I tried just about everything my doctor suggested over a 3 month period and finally relief! I applied TTO to the itchy areas a few times a day and at bedtime. It took a few days to calm down and maybe 10 days to cure. Gave my home a good clean too, and was careful to use clean clothes, towel, sheets etc every day. I still had red and funny weird patches over parts of my body. I treated these with lavender oil and they cleared up beautifully!

Comment posted by JolaWendell of Wendell, Idaho, USA on 10 July 2012 at 19:32       692

YES
The premethrin cream prescription my doctor gave me made my scabies a lot worse so I decided to stop using it. Tea Tree oil is recommended for demodex mites, so I decided to use it on my scabies, which started on my arms and seemed to be spreading. I took a baking soda bath, after taking the bath I applied tea tree oil on cotton balls and wiped my whole body down, with more over the infected areas. It is strong stuff but my skin was OK with it. The scabies burrows stung and itched so badly. Now the itching is gone and my scabs are clean and no longer bleeding from all my scratching.