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Scabies
The nightmare with scabies
began when Constance bought a used mattress. Soon the whole family
developed a red rash, along with intense itching. All four family
members went through the doctor-prescribed scabies pesticide program
at a cost of hundreds of dollars. Even though they followed the
instructions to the letter, including washing all clothes and bedding
in hot water with a special solution, the scabies returned.
 Constance was exhausted from
all the extra washing and scrubbing. She was frustrated that the harsh
chemicals had failed. The Scabies mites were still burrowing into the
skin and laying 1 to 3 eggs each day. Her two toddlers continued to
complain of intense itching. And a red rash developed wherever they
scratched.
Identifying Scabies
Scabies is a contagious
disorder of the skin caused by very small, wingless insects or mites
called the Human Itch mite or Scabies itch mite. The female insect
burrows into the skin and lays her eggs. A very small, zigzag blister
usually marks her trail as she lays her eggs. Itching is intense,
especially at night. A red rash often develops after the area is
scratched.
The most common locations for
scabies are on the sides of fingers, between the fingers, on the backs
of the hands, on the wrists, heels, elbows, armpits, inner thighs and
around the waist (beltline). One female mite continues to lay eggs for
about five weeks. The eggs hatch and the new mites begin the cycle all
over again.
One of the big problems with
scabies is that the mites themselves are too small to see without
magnification. Therefore, the rash that develops is often
misdiagnosed. Scabies is spread by personal contact, such as by
shaking hands or sleeping together or by close contact with infected
articles such as clothing, bedding or towels. Scabies can be spread by
the insect itself or by the egg.
Simple Solution
Constance called us in
desperation and we suggested a simple solution. Bathe each family
member twice a day in 1 cup of borax. Borax helps stop the growth of
bacteria and fungus in a natural way. To avoid re-infestation, wash
all clothing, towels and bedding in hot water, using our Borax Laundry
Soup. Hand wash all combs, brushes and barrettes in hot water and
borax.
Constance found the baths
soothing and the scabies were gone within 2 to 3 days. The rash took
about two weeks to clear up, but the itching was gone. Constance used
a magnifying glass to check the family for symptoms which would
indicate re-infection. The entire family has been free of symptoms for
over a month.
Laundry Soap (from
Simple Health
Remedies)
1 box Borax (4 lb 12 oz)
1 box Washing Soda (3 lb 7 oz)
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Mix Borax and Washing Soda
together and store in covered plastic bucket.
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Use 1/2 cup of the mixture per
average-size load of wash.
Works well in cold, warm, or hot
water. Borax is an excellent solvent for grease and does not fade
clothes. Borax also helps stop the growth of bacteria and fungus and
softens water. Washing Soda adds extra cleaning powder. |
