Thanks to modern conveniences and better hygiene, scabies is no longer as common as it was in the past. What you should keep in mind is that even though it is not common but you can still get it. Scabies is still a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. Caused by the itch mite called Sarcoptes scabies, you can contract the infection through direct skin contact. It may not be that harmful, but it can be extremely irritating and annoying to live with it. The most common symptoms include blistered, bumps, and a rash that can cause a secondary infection. Many people try different home remedies to treat the infestation, and some believe bleach may help with it. Does it help? Should you really try it to improve your condition?

Does Bleach Kill Scabies?

Yes, bleach may help treat scabies because it exterminates the mites that cause the infection. You may have to wait for a while to notice some improvement in your symptoms because bleach does not do much in order to relieve pain and itching. Before trying bleach, ensure that your skin is not overly sensitive or allergic to it. Here is what you can try:

• Take some water and add some bleaching powder to it. You need to ensure that you get a runny paste and apply it directly to the affected area. Rinse it off after 5-10 minutes.
• Take a tub of warm bathwater and add 3 cups of bleach to it. Mix well and soak in the water for as long as you can – you may want to stay in the tub for no less than an hour. Be sure to move a bit while immersed in the water to apply the bleaching solution to all areas of the body. Once done, air dry yourself and finish by applying moisturizer. Always wear clean clothes after the treatment to avoid any chances of re-infestation. Consider having the bath right before you go to bed, but ensure that your bedding is clean and free of mites too.

Note: Does bleach kill scabies? It certainly helps, but you should not rely only on bleach to get rid of the infestation. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor if you are dealing with a heavy infestation.

Other Remedies to Try

Bleaching powder may help treat your infection, but you can try other remedies as well. Here is what else might help kill scabies.

1. Combine Hydrogen Peroxide with Borax

The combination of borax and hydrogen peroxide helps with scabies because borax acts a fungicide and insecticide and hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties.

• Take a bowl and add 2 parts borax and 1 part hydrogen peroxide to it.
• Mix well and apply the mixture directly to the affected area. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.
• Use the remedy twice a day for a couple of weeks to get good results.

2. Use Onion

Sulfur compounds in onions help exterminate the scabies mites. It also contains quercetin that is supposed to help by soothing your skin.

• Start by peeling an onion. Put it in a blender and turn it on. Stop when it is thoroughly pureed.
• Now, strain it and apply the juice directly to the affected area. You can use a cotton ball to apply it effectively.
• Leave it there for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with fresh water.
• Do it thrice a day.

3. Use Clove Oil

It has antimicrobial properties and proves effective against the mites. It may also help relieve the itch associated with the scabies mites. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a good choice for the treatment of scabies.

• Combine a tablespoon each of coconut oil and clove oil. Be sure to use pure organic oil for the remedy.
• Mix well and directly apply to the infected skin.
• Leave it there for half an hour and then rinse it off with water.
• Do it twice a day for good results.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil may also help treat scabies. It contains the terpenoids that make it effective against the scabies mites. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help relieve the itching and inflammation.

• Take some tea tree oil and apply it directly to the affected area with the help of a cotton ball.
• Be sure to dilute the oil if your skin is sensitive. You can use coconut oil to dilute tea tree oil.
• Leave it on your skin for 15 minutes.
• Repeat thrice a day for a couple of weeks to get rid of scabies completely.

5. Use Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that has analgesic properties. Its regular use may help eliminate scabies along with its eggs.

• Fill your bathtub with hot water, take a cup of cayenne pepper and dissolve it into the water.
• Soak in the water for as long as you can.
• Use a towel to rinse your body after you come out of the tub. Alternatively, you can also make a smooth paste using water and cayenne pepper and apply to the affected area to get rid of scabies.
• Do it once a day to treat scabies.

6. Turmeric

Known for its powerful antiseptic properties, turmeric can also be used to treat scabies. It may also help relieve pain and inflammation associated with the infection.

• Add a couple of drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Mix it well to make a smooth paste and apply it directly to the infected skin for relief.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera may help soothe your skin and reduce the irritation as well.

• Take an aloe vera leaf and extract its juice.
• Apply it directly to your affected skin to relieve itching.
• You can also use an aloe vera cream for relief.