When I first had scabies, my doctor actually recommended I take a scabies bleach bath before starting my treatment.
The idea was that a scabies bleach bath would kill mites on the surface of the skin, and the prescription treatments like permethrin and ivermectin would kill the mites under the surface.
But does bleach really kill scabies?
Although there are no real studies or scientific evidence that back up the effectiveness of a bleach bath for scabies, there is quite a lot of anecdotal evidence and people on the internet claiming it works. And although anecdotal evidence isn’t always reliable, it is still evidence nonetheless. If it’s worked for other people, what’s the harm in trying?
Should I do a scabies bleach bath?
My advice is: Yes.
If doctors are recommending it, and people are having success with it, you have nothing to lose by trying it. I took 2-3 bleach baths during my scabies treatment and I cannot say for sure whether it helped or not, but as I’ve said many times on this site, when you have scabies it helps to hit them with absolutely everything you’ve got!
It is also a very cheap home remedy and you probably already have bleach sitting around the house. Have a go. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, no harm done.
Is there any reason not to do a scabies bleach bath?
The only reason I would say is, if you have very sensitive skin, or you have skin conditions like eczema or severe allergies, then perhaps you should stick to the natural treatments recommended on this site.
Bleach is actually quite harsh on skin, but remember that your skin is also very tough and designed to withstand things much stronger than diluted bleach! If you have healthy skin, give it a try.
How do you use a scabies bleach bath?
It’s very simple. Fill up a bath with warm water, enough to cover your shoulders. Add 2-4 cups of regular household bleach, depending on the size of the bath. This will be enough to kill surface mites, but not so strong that it will damage your skin. A good litmus test for a scabies bleach bath is that it should make you smell like you’ve just gone for a swim at the YMCA. If you can’t smell anything at all when you get you get out, you didn’t put enough.
Soak in the bath for about 15-20 minutes (you can extend this up to 40 minutes after a few times, just gauge how your skin reacts with each longer bath), then get out and moisturize right away!!!
As I said, bleach is not good for your skin, so moisturizing is a good way to protect it afterwards. If you’re suffering from scabies, I recommend using a mixture of regular body lotion and tea tree oil. The tea tree oil is proven to kill scabies mites, and the body lotion is perfect for diluting it and carrying it into the skin. That way your protect your skin and get some scabies killing oils into it in one hit.
How often should I do scabies bleach baths?
Again the advice here is varied, but my recommendation is to do it every day for the first 3 days, then give your skin a rest, especially because it’s likely you will be using other scabies treatments on your skin too.
Remember, your skin is tough but needs to be taken care of. Try to balance out the harsh and regenerative treatments so you don’t punish your skin too much. Bleach baths can be a great addition to your scabies treatment plan, but just remember to keep them in moderation. A good scabies treatment will use a combination of treatments – bleach baths is only one of many.
Are you currently suffering from scabies? Check out my full guide to treating scabies quickly and effectively. This is the same treatment plan I used to treat my own scabies infestation, and I’m sure it will help you too. Wishing you back to good health soon! -Jon
I am using only one cup of bleach in the bath water. It seems to be a help.
Many others have reported it does help. Thanks for sharing!
It works and permethrin gave me moles I need removed now I recommend bleach baths online as did a nurse it’s the first way it was ever treated along with sulphur soap…it’s a battle but you’ll win don’t worry and I know it might still be itchy but trust me they might be gone just do a bleach bath a day it’s very effective and just wear clean clothes after…even then the baths are the answer.
I am applying stick deodorant on places I still feel and see the mites. It appears to work.
I also wash bed sheets every 2 or 3 days and change T shirt and underwear twice a day .
Bleach baths are highly recommended.
I thank Jon for all of his help with this website.
Firstly, thanks so much for this information!! Secondly, do you rinse off after taking a bleach bath??
Yes I usually do.
I do not rise after bleach bath. I use two cups of beach in the bath. I also take an alternate baking soda bath using two cups of baking soda. I do not rinse after either bath.
Omg ! Thank you everyone for making me feel like theres hope again, ive been dealing with this issue for a few years and all ive been doing is taking that 5 percent permethrin crap, it seems to help abit but they always come back down the road, i just started my first bleach bath yesterday, i started using a half cup of bleach in the bath cause i get very worried about my health ( i have mad anxiety attacks ) half a cup seems to heat up the skin quickly after 10 mins, so i dont know how people are using 2 cups in their bath but im gunna try to increase it once i feel more comfortable, my skin has already started to feel better and not as oily, just hoping this works alonh with tea tree oils and shampoos for the ones that are under the skin with the white bumps and lines ughh
Is there a recipe for making the tea tree oil and lotion? Or just add as much as you think to lotion?
Thanks
Just one or two drops per handful of lotion.
2 to 4 cups seems like way too much. I used 4 cap-fulls and it worked great. + I still smelt like I had gone to the local public pool afterwards. Had to rinse and wash off and apply lotion. Submerged everything only left nose out of water (they basically move primarily to my head, face, & neck. Probably because its hard to get the head properly.) Soaked for 30 minutes – with water as hot as I could stand it. Was able to rub those b!tc#es from my face while soaking. Been dealing with this for 4 months. I did a sulfer bath the same way about 2 months ago. My skin was on fire & it didnt work nearly as well. No more diluted sulfur dip for me. I guess Im allergic. Going to do Clorox bath 3 or 4 nights in a row. Depending on skin tolerance. – I want to add a note that I also used Equate Lice Shampoo for my head with great results. it has some permethrin and another chemical that kills them… Unfortunately, I just realized that my CAT is a mite carrier even though its not affecting her. Our Vet said not she didnt have them. BOY was he wrong! I realized Shes the reason their still in our home after rubbing her neck with a diluted essential oil flea and tick treatment – bare handed. That night it was aweful. My hands were on fire itching!! It started all over again!! Ugh!! But mostly on my head, face and neck. She has been sulfer dipped 2X now – second dip was on day 3 after first – then ill do it in 5 says. Also trying to get her Revolution from VET. They had given me something more potent (Bravecto) and she was foaming at the mouth, panting, and a little lethargic. Had to rinse it off of her.
Is there a twist on the bleach bath regimen for those of us who have shower stalls? Does a diluted bleach spray do the trick? If so, what’s the ratio mix? Thanks.