Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei and characterized by intense itching. It is highly transmittable and is seen more frequently in crowded environments. Permethrin cream is the most commonly used treatment, but tea tree oil offers a alternative, natural remedy.
Scabies
The mite Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into the top layers of skin and lays its eggs, producing severe itching. Though the mite cannot be seen, patients usually present with thin, reddish tracks along the burrowing lines. Scabies transmits via direct skin-to-skin contact or possibly through clothing and linens. A more severe form of scabies is Norwegian scabies, also called crusting scabies. This form differs not in the type of mite but in the severity of infestation. In normal scabies, only 10 to 15 mites infest the patient. In Norwegian scabies, infestation may number in the thousands, presenting difficulties in eradication.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a traditional herbal remedy used by Australian Aborigines. It is obtained through distillation of the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant indigenous to New South Wales in Australia. The Aborigines have long used tea tree oil topically to treat skin infections and inflammations. Australian physicians at the beginning of the 20th century used tea tree oil to clean wounds, and Australian soldiers in World War II were issued tea tree oil in all first aid kits. The scientific community recently began investigating tea tree oil and have found that it possesses antiseptic properties against a variety of bacteria, fungus and parasites.
Research Evidence
Australian investigators in 2004 reported a case of Norwegian scabies that responded to tea tree oil treatment. Scabies samples from a 20-year-old female with recurrent Norwegian scabies were collected. These samples were exposed to various compounds, including permethrin, 5 percent tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol, one component of tea tree oil. The researchers found that up to 90 percent of the mites were killed after one hour of exposure to 5 percent tea tree oil, while only 10 percent died when exposed to permethrin. They determined that the active ingredient was terpinen-4-ol.
Usage
No definitive regimen for scabies treatment with tea tree oil exists. However, most sources suggest applying several drops of 5 percent tea tree oil to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. Treatment should continue for at least 10 days. People with sensitive skin should test a small patch of skin first to determine their reaction. Tea tree oil can also be added to bath water for further relief. Also, disposing or washing all linens and clothing that may have contacted the patient prevents scabies.
Precautions
Like any substance, tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions that range from mild rashes to anaphylaxis. Patient with allergies to the myrtle family, which includes guava and allspice, pine or turpentine will more likely have allergies to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is also toxic when swallowed. Children, pregnant women and women who are nursing should also avoid use, as no safety data exists in these groups of patients.
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