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How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil for Scabies?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 81,218
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Many people who prefer to use natural healing products instead of those containing harsh chemicals use tea tree oil for scabies. Before using this type of treatment, talk to a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and individualized medical advice. Pure tea tree oil is too harsh to use on the skin, so it must be diluted before application. It's important to wash all clothing, towels, and bedding thoroughly if you have scabies in order to prevent reinfestation.

Once scabies has been diagnosed and any underlying medical concerns have been addressed, you can start using tea tree oil. This oil is widely believed to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and many people have reported relief from scabies when using this treatment method. It is important to dilute the oil before you use it in order to avoid skin irritation.

The most common method of using tea tree oil for scabies is to add a few drops of the oil to bath water. Usually, about 1 tablespoon (14.7 ml) of tea tree oil is added to a tub of warm water. You can then soak in the tub for about half an hour, repeating the process two to three times per day until healed. Dry your skin thoroughly after getting out of the tub, and the towel and clothing worn before the bath should be tied up in a plastic bag until they are properly laundered in order to prevent the mites from migrating elsewhere.

After the skin has been dried following the bath, a small amount of tea tree oil can be mixed with equal parts of olive oil and gently applied to any affected areas of skin with a cotton ball. This mixture is left on the skin until the next bath. Some lotions are made with tea tree oil, and these are safe to use in place of the olive oil mixture.

After treating the scabies, all clothing, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on the hottest setting on the dryer in order to kill any surviving mites. If symptoms persist or if skin irritation occurs, talk to a medical professional for further medical evaluation. Sometimes, stronger medications may be required. Using tea tree oil for scabies is generally considered safe for most people when used on the skin. If this product is accidentally ingested, a poison control center should be contacted right away.

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Discussion Comments
By anon989750 — On Mar 20, 2015

Tea tree oil cured my scabies. I mix it with only a little water and rub it into the affected areas a few times a day. It didn't take long to get rid of them, just a few days.

By anon977539 — On Nov 11, 2014

I am not allergic, nor do I have sensitive skin, and I have no problem using tea tree oil undiluted.

By Eforte — On Jul 04, 2013

How long does treatment with tea tree oil take to kill scabies?

By anon339033 — On Jun 19, 2013

I spread my scabies to my grandmother. My mom won't let me use my Permethrin on her. I just bought tea tree oil and we're going to see how it works, I'm going to spray the couch with the pesticide, and wash her bedding and towels and hopefully it help.

By SteamLouis — On Mar 09, 2013

I was able to treat my scabies with all natural products, but I have to say, it took a lot of effort and money.

I used tea tree oil and body wash, as well as neem oil, neem soap, sulfur soap and epsom salt. I took showers with the soap and body wash and applied the diluted oils directly on my spots. I also changed my clothes and sheets and did laundry constantly. My scabies eventually disappeared but I don't think it would have worked if I hadn't combined all these treatments.

By serenesurface — On Mar 09, 2013

@ankara-- Yes, it does. But you might have to be persistent. Don't expect tea tree oil to kill all the mites and their eggs with one treatment. Continue to use it until all your symptoms cease and even a bit longer just to make sure.

There is a risk of allergy to tea tree oil. My sister is allergic to it, she once tried using it on her face and developed a red rash. It's best to try a drop of it on your arm before you apply it all over. It would be terrible to take a bath with tea tree oil if you don't know that you're allergic.

And like the article said, tea tree oil should never be used undiluted. It has to be mixed with something else, either another oil or water. Tea tree oil is also not safe for pets and should not be used on them.

By bluedolphin — On Mar 08, 2013

Does tea tree oil kill mites that are buried underneath the skin?

Also, what's the risk of allergies to tea tree oil?

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