Scabies or scabies, as this dermatological condition is also known, is one of the most contagious skin diseases worldwide. Your treatment should be supervised and indicated by a doctor, since your symptoms are really annoying and, if left untreated, it can mean a major health problem that prevents you from living a normal life.
The itching, redness and irritations caused by scabies can be improved with the help of folk remedies, in addition to the medication prescribed by the doctor, and in we tell you everything you need to know about said disease and learn how to use sulfur for scabies, as it is one of the most popular remedies.
What is scabies or scabies
Scabies is a lesion on the skin caused by a mite called Sarcoptic scabies, this settles on the skin of the individual, settles under the skin, digging tunnels in it, and begins its reproductive process, which causes strong itching and discomfort. It is known to be a highly contagious condition, since it is passed from person to person by direct contact with the affected area or by having contact with some infected material that has touched someone affected, for example a blanket, the sofa, clothes, etc.
Although it is not a fatal infection in itself, people with a poor immune system may have greater complications with the disease. For people with AIDS or cancer who have scabies, or who have not had the condition treated in a long time and are very advanced, they should be constantly monitored and treated by their GP.
Symptoms of scabies
Being a condition only of the skin does not generate any type of symptomatology such as fevers, headaches, etc., however the symptoms are reflected in the skin and in many cases are difficult to distinguish. They commonly begin to occur after about 3 or 5 weeks after infection. The main symptoms of scabies or scabies are as follows:
- Itching and burning that get worse at night.
- Rashes very similar to those caused by an allergy.
- Blisters.
- Desquamation.
- Grooves in the skin of grayish tone.
Normally scabies occurs in places with little hair, which is why if you have these symptoms mentioned above in these areas, you should immediately go to your doctor to evaluate your state of health and give you the appropriate treatment. The areas of the body most affected by scabies are:
- Hands and fingers.
- Folds in the knee, elbows and wrists.
- Navel.
- Genital area.
- Bottom of the buttocks.
- Breasts.
- Feet.
- Thighs.
How to use sulfur for scabies correctly
The treatment for scabies in most cases is effective and generates a 100% improvement, however, there are home remedies that can help counteract the effects in a more natural and economical way or by enhancing the medications prescribed by our doctor. However, it is necessary to consult with the doctor who has prescribed the treatment with drugs which remedy may be more appropriate in each case, and thus avoid interactions between the remedy and the medicine that counteract its effects.
Sulfur is widely used as a natural remedy to cure scabies. Because with little amount it is already highly toxic to the Sarcoptic scabies mite, it is an excellent option to cure root scabies and provide great relief from itching and irritations.
In addition to medications taken by mouth, your doctor will prescribe creams to help your skin more directly. In most cases these creams contain a small amount of sulfur, and in fact they are called sulfur creams, however, there is a way to create your own homemade cream. Take note to learn how to use sulfur to treat scabies correctly:
Ingredients
- Moisturizer
- Sulphur powder
Preparation and treatment
- Mix 1 tablespoon of sulfur powder with 10 tablespoons of cream, but try to choose a cream that is moisturizing and regenerating.
- Stir until it has become a homogeneous mixture and refrigerate. Apply it when it is cold will help to further relieve the itching, however it is not necessary because you can keep it at room temperature.
- Apply to the affected area daily abundantly, and even up to 3 times a day.
It is important that before using this cream, purchased or homemade, you try if you do not have allergies to sulfur, if so, you cannot use it since an allergic reaction would further worsen your health.
Other remedies with sulfur to treat scabies and that you can buy or make at home are sulfur petroleum jelly and sulfur soap. They are also for daily use and several times a day.
To make the remedy with petroleum jelly you will only have to mix half a jar of neutral petroleum jelly with a couple of tablespoons of sulfur powder and stir well. To learn how to make sulfur soap, we recommend that you read this other article from.
Other home remedies to combat scabies
Apart from using this remedy, there are also other natural remedies to treat scabies that can serve as a reinforcement of medical treatment:
- Neem oil: This oil is commonly known for its effective astringent and antibacterial properties; therefore, it is excellent in the treatment against scabies. You can add it to a cream and apply it every 8 hours on the affected area. Another option is to use the plant directly, tearing off its leaves, crushing them and smearing them on the area in question. This will help relieve itching, avoid pain, and greatly reduce inflammation.
- Tea tree oil: contains antifungal, acaricidal and antibacterial properties, among others, making it ideal for eliminating the mites that cause scabies. Apply 10 to 15 drops on your body cream and expose it to every corner of your body, especially in places where you have scabies.
These are two of the most used, but in this other article about Home Remedies for Scabies we explain more options