D-limonene is a component of citrus oil, and has some known anti-flea toxicity. Scabies infestations are caused by a mite, and while the itching may resemble that associated with flea bites, there's no evidence to suggest that D-limonene will help resolve a scabies infection, or help relieve the itching associated with infestation.
D-Limonene
D-limonene is one of two forms of a molecule called dipentene, which is made up of carbon and hydrogen. The two forms -- the other takes the prefix "L" -- are mirror images of one another, and have somewhat different chemical properties. D-limonene is the more common form in nature, and has a citrus or citrus-rind smell. It's common in lemons and other citrus fruit, and is quite reactive.
Scabies
The scabies infestation is the result of a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which is typically spread person to person, but which you can also get from contact with clothing or bedding used by an individual infested with scabies mites. The mites burrow under your skin, and leave their eggs and waste in their wake. This causes immune system activation, and leads to intense itching as a result of histamine and other immune system chemicals.
Treating Scabies With D-Limonene
D-limonene is toxic to some fleas, explains Dr. W. Hink and colleagues in a 1986 article in the "Journal of Medical Entomolgy." In particular, the article notes, it's toxic to cat fleas, though it's reasonable to suppose that this extends to at least some other flea species. Mites aren't susceptible to the same toxins as fleas, however, due to differences in their biology. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that you can use D-limonene to kill or prevent scabies.
Scabies Treatments
If you think you have a scabies infection, you should talk to your doctor, who will be able to examine your rash or test for the presence of the mite. If you are, in fact, infested with scabies, your physician will likely prescribe a medication like permethrin, which will kill the mites, explains MayoClinic.com. The medication won't stop the itching, however, and you'll need an antihistimine or other similar anti-itch remedy to help relieve your symptoms.
References
- "Journal of Medical Entomology"; Toxicity of D-Limonene; W. Hink, et al.; 1986
- MayoClinic.com: Scabies
