Caused by an infestation of the itch mite sarcoptes scabiei, scabies is an itchy and irritating skin infection. Neem, a medicinal plant used to treat many skin diseases, is also gaining attention as a remedy for scabies.
History
Known for its versatility in treating skin and scalp diseases, neem has been widely used in therapeutic remedies in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, for hundreds of years.
Significance
As the scabies mite becomes increasingly resistant to conventional treatments, the skin condition is getting harder to treat. Neem acts on the scabies mite by disabling its reproductive system. With its breeding capabilities decimated, the chances of a future generation resistant to the herb are almost none.
Considerations
People suffering from scabies may have a compromised skin barrier that does not react well to standard permethrin-based treatments. Compared to permethrin, which is a known skin irritant, neem has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin on contact.
Research
A review article published by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in 2002 reported the efficacy of neem in treating scabies. Clinical trials done with the topical application of a lotion containing neem leaf extract successfully treated skin diseases such as scabies, ringworm, and eczema in three to four days.
Expert Insight
Discover Neem, a website dedicated to neem research, reports that persistent cases of scabies that continually resist standard treatments respond well to neem.
Tags: scabies mite, skin diseases