If you’re fretting on to the question: “How to Treat Scabies Using Bleach”, you can find all the answers below! Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a microscopic mite known medically as Sarcoptes Scabies. It is a highly contagious infection marked by the intense itching of the skin. Foremost, the female scabies mite makes burrows under the skin’s surface and lays eggs in it. The eggs hatch in a week, and the young larvae live off the oils secreted by hair follicles on the skin. Finally, the larvae grows into young mites, and these move to other areas of the body and infect those who contact the infected host.
The infection is visible as an itchy, narrow rash over the mite burrows. The rash is seen primarily on the:
- Buttock
- Breast creases
- Armpits
- Between fingers
- Around the waist
- Inner elbows
- In the male genital region
- Soles of the feet
- Shoulder blades
- Knees
- Under the fingernail folds.
The itching is your body’s allergic reaction to the mites, and their eggs are worse at night. The infection appears and spreads in crowded places like dormitories, hostels, schools, and homes where many people live nearby. The condition spreads through prolonged, direct skin contact or sexual intercourse with an infected person. It can even spread when you use towels, combs, clothes, bedding, or other infected person’s items.
The cause of Scabies is not due to a lack of hygiene on the infected person’s part. The mite cannot survive for long without its host. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications like lymphangitis and cellulitis.
How To Treat Scabies Using Bleach
It is possible to kill scabies mite using bleach as it is a effective remedy to treat Scabies. You must, however, dilute it before using as it is a harsh chemical. You must be precautious while using it, and do not forget to avoid it if you have sensitive skin. Instead, you can consider using ordinary household bleach with about 6-8% sodium hypochlorite. Mix bleach and water in a 1:4 ratio and spray on the affected area twice a day for a few days.
You can add a teaspoon of bleach to a liter of water and spray it to disinfect surfaces. Alternatively, you can add 1/2 cup of bleach to a bathtub full of tepid water. Soak your body in it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Wash your body with plain water and use a moisturizer on your skin.
Most importantly, bleach can damage your skin, eyes, and lungs in higher concentrations. It is safer to use bleach to get rid of scabies mites in clothing and bedsheets.
Home Remedies And Precautions
It is crucial to treat all family members and contact groups to eliminate the mites. There are numerous home remedies to relieve the itching; for instance, try applying calamine lotion, consider the application of cool compresses, and take an antihistamine.
Furthermore, wash clothes and beddings in hot, soapy water and iron them using high heat. Then, dry the clean clothes and furnishings that you cannot scrub and vacuum furniture and carpets.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively protect against Scabies. It helps relieve the itching and heals the rash. However, it does not destroy the mite eggs under the skin’s surface.
2. Neem Oil
Prolonged and continuous use of neem oil treats Scabies and gives you good pimple-free skin as well! Neem oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Consequently, a paste of neem leaves and turmeric kills the scabies mites instantly.
3. Aloe Vera
Pure Aloe vera gel soothes itching and kills the mites. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel over the rash or itching to relieve the symptoms.
4. White Vinegar
White vinegar changes your skin’s pH levels, which kills the mites. You can add white vinegar to your dishes or apply it directly to the skin.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper relieves the pain and itching caused by scabies.
6. Clove Oil
Clove oil has skin healing properties and can even destroy the scabies mite.
7. Others
Other essential oils that you can use topically include lavender oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, orange oil, and nutmeg oil. Dilute all essential oils with a carrier oil and do a patch test to rule out allergic reactions to the oil. It is always better to seek a medical opinion before using any essential oil, especially if you’re pregnant or lactating.
When To See A Doctor
You should see a doctor right away if the itching persists and home remedies don’t work. After an appropriate diagnosis and check-up, your doctor will prescribe a topical medication to kill the mites and eggs. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe oral medicine if you do not respond to topical medication or have an altered immune system.
Takeaway
Scabies symptoms are caused due to an allergic reaction to mites and their excrement (scybala). Products used to treat scabies are called Scabicides. They kill scabies mites and their eggs as well. Therefore, even when all mites and eggs are eradicated, itching may persist for several weeks after therapy.
Lastly, we recommend retreatment if irritation persists more than 2 to 4 weeks following treatment or if new burrows or pimple-like rash lesions emerge. Additionally, infected skin sores should be treated with an antibiotic recommended by a doctor.