Scabies is a parasitic infection that causes a persistent, itchy rash. It is caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the top layer of the skin to lay its eggs. This results in groups of small red lumps. When the rash first appears, you may see fine, wavy lines emanating from some of the lumps if you look closely. The skin may then become dry and scaly, and the itching can be intense, especially at night. Scratching can set the stage for a bacterial infection as well.

Scabies can be a particular problem in institutional settings such as nursing homes and day care centers. It is spread primarily by skin-to-skin contact, and it is highly contagious. The areas most commonly affected are the buttocks, genitals, wrists, and armpits, as well as the skin between the toes and fingers.

To diagnose the condition, a physician usually takes a scraping of skin from the affected area and examines it under a microscope. If one family member develops scabies, all the members of the household should be checked (and possibly treated). Children under the age of fifteen have the highest incidence of scabies and are usually the first in the family to contact it.

Treatment

• Diet alone cannot cure scabies. To get rid of the mites, apply permethrin cream or 25 percent benzylbenzoate topically to the entire body from the neck down, as directed on the label or prescribed by your physician.
  
• Thoroughly wash all bed linens used by infected individuals in very hot water. A product which also contains permethrin, may be recommended for treating infested clothes and bedding.
  
• Practice scrupulous personal hygiene. Avoid contact with infested persons or their clothing.
  
• To promote healing, eat plenty of foods high in zinc, such as soybeans, sunflower seeds, wheat bran, whole-grain products, yeast, and blackstrap molasses.
  
• Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Consume no sugar, chocolate, or junk foods.
  
• Avoid fried foods and all animal products. Use cold-pressed vegetable oils only.

Herbs

Aloe vera has excellent healing properties. Apply gel topically to the affected area as directed on the product labels.

Tea tree oil, goldenseal and balsam of Peru can be applied topically to fight infection. Goldenseal can also be taken to bolster the immune system. Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, as it may disturb normal intestinal flora. Do not use during pregnancy, and use it with caution of you are allergic to ragweed.

Nutrients

Very Important

Garlic; 2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals. (Has antiparasitic and antibiotic properties)

Primrose Oil; 1,000 mg 3 times daily. (A good healer for skin disorders)

Vitamin A; 25,000 IU daily for 3 months, then reduce to 15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. (Necessary for healing and for construction of new skin tissue.

Important

Kelp; 1,000-1,5000 mg daily. (Supplies balanced minerals)

Zinc; 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 1000 mg daily from all supplements. (For tissue repair. Enhances immune response)

Helpful

Colloidal Silver; Apply topically as directed on label. (To prevent secondary infection)

Vitamin E; 600 IU daily (Promotes healing)