The study didn’t specify how long the patients used aloe vera gel. Typical scabies creams need 1 week to work, so apply the gel for at least that long. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source

These studies used cream or gels containing tea tree oil, not the oil itself. Using undiluted oil hasn’t been studied.

There are some websites that claim vinegar also kills scabies mites. This isn’t as dangerous as using bleach, but probably won’t work.

The most common medication is permethrin cream. If this doesn’t work, the doctor may also try indane, crotamiton, or ivermectin. If you live with other people, the doctor will probably tell them to use the same treatment because scabies can spread easily.

If the rash is on one of your extremities, you can also soak it in cool water instead of using a compress.

Warm or hot water can irritate your skin and make itching worse. It’s best to use cool water instead. A cool bath will also work on its own without oatmeal. [11] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source

Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra. [14] X Research source Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so don’t drive or operate machinery after taking them.

Dry cleaning also works. Just be sure to tell the people handling your clothes that you have scabies so they can take precautions. Things that you haven’t touched for over a week should be safe. Scabies mites can’t live that long off of a person. Continue doing your laundry like this until your infection heals.

If you don’t have plastic bags, you can just put the item in an out-of-the-way place like your garage. Make sure no one touches it for at least a few days. This is helpful for larger items like chairs or other furniture. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

As with linens, things you haven’t touched in over a week should be free of mites.

Also don’t share a bed or couches with other people. The mites could spread this way as well. Remember that if the other person contracts scabies, it might take 2-4 weeks for them to show symptoms.