Most skin infections are written off as rashes or allergic reactions. However it is not always so. There are certain skin infections which are caused by bacteria and other micro-organisms. Scabies is one of these skin infections. Scabies is a skin disease which is caused by very small itch mites, which affect humans and animals like cats and dogs. These itch mites can't survive on their own for more than three days. But on a host's body, they can live for months or even years. The scabies mites lay eggs in the host's body. These eggs later hatch and grow into adult mites. So, it is very necessary to eliminate the scabies mites and its eggs from the body. Products called scabicides are used to kill the itch mites and eggs in the body. The common symptoms of scabies are severe itching, skin rashes which are red in color and blisters on the skin. Scabies generally affects body areas like the wrists, between toes and fingers, armpits, abdomen, nipples, groin, soles of feet, scalp, and face. There are many natural, homeopathic, and allopathic, over-the-counter treatment for scabies. To cure this itchy disease, use the following treatment methods. Scabies in humans can be treated and prevented by natural oils. The most popular natural medicines for scabies are tea tree oil and neem oil. Such oils have medicinal properties. These oils help to heal and soothe the itchy skin. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is very effective against scabies. Benefits of tea tree oil have been widely heralded especially because of its antifungal and anti-bacterial qualities. Apply tea tree oil on the affected area in the morning and night for scabies home treatment. However, tea tree oil is very strong, so dilute it with a carrier oil before applying. Make a solution with 3:10 proportion of tea tree oil and a carrier oil respectively. Neem Oil: Neem oil is very adept at eliminating skin infections. Apply drops of neem oil to the affected area, twice in a day. However, neem oil smells very strong so another alternative natural scabies treatment using neem oil is to soak in a bubble bath with 150 ml neem tree oil. Lavender Oil: Before using lavender oil for scabies, clean the affected scabies area. Rub the affected area with generous amount of lavender oil and alcohol. This treatment of scabies will soothe the skin and prevent itching. You can dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil before applying, similar to using tea tree oil. Cures for scabies include topical creams. Such creams are very effective. These creams might emit a bad smell, but they kill the scabies mites thoroughly. Along with skin irritation, one might experience pain. Oral antihistamines can be used to provide relief from scabies pain. Oral dosage of ivermectin is also used to treat scabies. However, ivermectin is not approved by the FDA. Sulfur Creams: Sulfur creams are excellent over-the-counter treatment for scabies. Use a 2.5% concentrate sulfur cream for infants, and 10% concentrate for adults. Take a bath before going to bed and then apply the cream from head to toe. Repeat this process for 3 consecutive nights. On the fourth day you can have your normal shower. Permethrin: This scabies treatment available over-the-counter is to be used only for adults. Buy a 5% concentrated cream. Take a shower and massage yourself with the cream from head to toe. Leave this cream on for 8 -10 hours, and wash off the cream with a shower. Crotamiton: This is a type of antipruritic and scabicide, and comes in the form of cream and ointment. It can be used for children over 3 years. Apply the cream all over the body, except face. Do this before going to bed. Continue the application for 3-5 days. Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines are very helpful over-the-counter treatment for scabies. They provide relief from itching and they also help in sleeping. Buy a 10 mg antihistamine containing hydroxyzine. Take this antihistamine once in a day for treatment of scabies. Lice Soaps: Soaps and shampoos especially made for killing lice help to get rid of mites which are on the skin surface. However, they are not effective for killing mites which are under the skin. So, one can use lice killing shampoo on their hair and scalp, and use soap over their body to eliminate mites on the skin. To eliminate scabies, it is important to keep these following things in mind. These tips will help you in prevention and cure of scabies. ⇒ Seek medical aid when the above, over-the-counter treatment for scabies fail to give relief. ⇒ Before using any product for scabies treatment, read the instructions on the label properly. ⇒ In some cases, itching might continue for a few days even after treatment. ⇒ In pets, symptoms might worsen while undergoing treatment for skin disorders caused by scabies. ⇒ Avoid any contact with a scabies affected person or animal. ⇒ Wash your towels, clothing and bed sheets. Dry them in a hot dryer. ⇒ Scabies itch mites thrive in places like garbage dumps and can't survive in clean places. Keep your surroundings clean to prevent the growth and spread of scabies mites. ⇒ Even after the scabies has been treated, one should use a mite killing soap and shampoo once in 15 days for 2-3 months, to ensure that scabies won't recur. If the itching is very severe, for instant relief use calamine lotion to soothe the skin. Take preventive measures to keep your surrounding scabies free. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.