If you have tiny white bugs on skin, you may be concerned, and for good reason. Tiny white bugs on skin could be a sign of scabies. Scabies mites are microscopic parasites that burrow into the top layer of your skin. They cause an itchy rash and skin lesions, which is why they’re sometimes called “the seven-year itch.”
There is quite a bit of myth surrounding scabies mites. In today’s article, we are going to discuss these tiny white bugs on skin and everything you should know about them including how they are contracted and how to get rid of them.
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Tiny White Bugs On Skin – What Are Scabies Mites?
Scabies mites are small white pests that can burrow into your skin.
Scabies are a type of skin condition that is caused by a parasite. These parasites are known as mites, and they live on the surface of your skin. They burrow into your skin and lay eggs in order to survive. The eggs hatch and these new mites then dig their way back up to the surface of your skin.
The scabies mite is tiny (about 1/25 inch long), but it can cause severe irritation and itching in affected areas of your body. Scabies can affect any part of the skin, but it tends to favor areas like the fingers, hands or wrists, genitals, buttocks, and armpits.
They can cause intense itching and discomfort for people who have them. There are two types of scabies mites — one type lives on humans; another type lives on animals such as dogs and cats (but not all dogs or cats). The two types look different from each other under a microscope, but both types cause similar symptoms when they infest humans.
Scabies infestation is a very common problem in developed countries like the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.2 million cases of scabies occur each year in this country alone. Women who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to getting scabies than others. However, anyone can get these tiny white bugs on skin if they come into contact with an infected person or touch an infected surface for a long enough period of time.
Have you noticed tiny white bugs on skin or a strange rash? It may not always be scabies, however, it’s important to know the signs of symptoms of the infestation.
People usually develop symptoms of tiny white bugs on skin within one month after coming into contact with someone who has scabies or after touching contaminated objects or surfaces for prolonged periods, as we mentioned above.
The most common symptom of scabies mites is itching in the areas where they live. This itch is most noticeable at night when you are lying in bed. Other symptoms include a rash that looks like tiny pimples or blisters, however not all people with scabies get this symptom.
A red rash in areas where there are no pimples or blisters is called “Delayed Infestation”. This rash may appear on any part of the body except for the palms and soles, but it usually appears on your hands, wrists, fingers, and elbows. For example, if you have a rash on your wrist, it might look like a line of pimples running across your wrist from one side to another.
Scabies is not considered to be dangerous, but it is highly contagious. If one person in your family has scabies, everyone should be treated at the same time — even if they don’t have any symptoms yet — to prevent the spread of infection throughout your home or apartment building.
The good news is that these tiny white bugs on skin can be cured, however, it takes a few weeks before the rash left behind by these pests will go away completely.
But how did you get these tiny white bugs on skin and how can you avoid getting them in the future? Great question. Keep reading to find out!
How Did I Get Scabies Mites?
Scabies is most commonly found on hands, wrists, arm pits, and other sensitive areas of the body.
The scabies mite is about the size of a sesame seed. It burrows into the outer layer of skin and lays its eggs there. The eggs hatch into immature mites that crawl around seeking a place to bite and feed on blood. The mites can live for up to three weeks away from a human host but die within 24 hours if they’re not feeding on blood.
You can get scabies from people who have them even if you don’t see any symptoms. If you see the symptoms of scabies, that means it’s too late to stop them from spreading — they’re already on you! But there are things you can do to help prevent getting them again, which we will discuss in more detail further down.
Scabies mites are able to get onto your skin, burrow in, and lay their eggs below the surface. They can’t jump or fly, so they spread by close contact with an infected person. These tiny white bugs on skin most commonly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person. You can also get them from your pets, especially cats and dogs.
Scabies is spread through direct contact with an infected person. The mites can survive for up to 24 hours off of the body, meaning you can get these tiny white bugs on skin from:
- Prolonged contact with someone who has scabies without washing your hands afterward.
- Prolonged contact with a pet that has scabies without washing your hands afterward.
- Sharing clothing (such as towels) with a person or a pet that has scabies (for example, if you’re sharing a bed).
- Sleeping in the same bed with a person or a pet that has scabies
- Sleeping in a bed that a person or pet with scabies had previously slept in if they did not wash their sheets or change their clothes
Scabies is highly contagious and spread rapidly among people who live together or share the same bed, however as we mentioned above, these tiny white bugs on skin are not dangerous and do not cause any serious long-term damage aside from potential scarring from scratching.
If you do have these tiny white bugs on skin, it’s best to get medical assistance as quickly as possible. While there are home remedies and over-the-counter products you can use to get rid of scabies, prescription medication is usually the most effective means of getting rid of scabies.
Keep reading to learn more.
Best Methods For Getting Rid Of Scabies Mites
The above diagram shows the lifecycle of scabies mites.
The best method for getting rid of these tiny white bugs on skin is to treat all family members at the same time. If you are treating more than one person, it’s important that you use the same treatment method on everyone, even if they have different symptoms or types of scabies mites. Treating only one person in your household with these tiny white bugs on skin, may not be effective in getting rid of all the mites.
Below are a few different methods you can use to get rid of scabies mites, including:
Scabicides
Scabicides are a group of prescription medications used to treat scabies. These drugs are not available as over-the-counter medications, so you must obtain a prescription from your doctor. The main scabicide is ivermectin, which is taken orally in pill form. It must be taken for 2 weeks to ensure that the entire mite population has been eradicated.
Prescription Medications And Ointments
Doctors prescribe scabicide to cure scabies because they work well against all types of scabies infestations and are not likely to be contaminated with other organisms that can cause infection. The drugs kill the mites but don’t eliminate them from your body, so further treatment may be necessary after one course of treatment ends. Some medications need to be applied daily for two weeks or longer, depending on how severe your case is.
The most common medication prescribed by doctors is permethrin (Nix). It’s available only with a prescription and comes in cream, lotion, or shampoo form. The cream should be applied thinly over the entire body except for the face and ears; follow the instructions on the label carefully. You’ll need to leave it on for several hours before washing it off. You also may need to use a second application within seven days if you have an infestation affecting more than one person in your household.
Lindane (Kwell) is another medical treatment option if you don’t respond well to other options or if you have a severe infestation. This drug is available without a prescription but isn’t recommended for pregnant women or children under age two because it’s toxic if absorbed through the skin. Lindane also isn’t approved by the FDA as an effective scabies treatment because of potential side effects that include burning, itching, rash, and dizziness.
Home Remedies
There are some home remedies you can use to help manage the itch of tiny white bugs on skin and to help get rid of scabies, however, the most successful methods for getting rid of scabies include prescription drugs or products you can invest in over the counter that have been approved by the FDA and are known to be safe for use on human skin.
Best Products For Getting Rid Of Scabies Mites
Scabies can be painful and itchy.
As we mentioned above, It is possible to get rid of scabies, but it takes a lot longer than a few days. Remember, these tiny white bugs on skin can live for some time without a host, so you have to eliminate them completely from your body in order to prevent an infection from recurring.
Do over-the-counter products work for getting rid of scabies mites?
There are several over-the-counter treatments for removing scabies mites from your body. The most common ingredients in these products include Permethrin.
Permethrin is a chemical that kills both adult and immature scabies mites on contact, but it doesn’t kill eggs or larvae. The eggs will simply hatch later when they meet a new host, which is why seeking a doctor for assistance in getting rid of these tiny white bugs on skin is so important.
With that said, Permethrin is available in several different forms, including creams and lotions, sprays, and shampoos. It’s important not to use permethrin-based products on infants under two years old or anyone who has sensitive skin. It’s also important to consult a doctor before using over-the-counter products on scabies.
With all that said, there are a few products we would recommend for getting rid of these tiny white bugs on skin.
Mite-B-Gone 10% Sulfur Cream
No products found.
Mite-B-Gone 10% Sulfur Cream is a product that can help get rid of tiny white bugs on skin like scabies and scabies rashes. The cream also helps to reduce itching, irritation, and dryness of the skin caused by the mites.
The cream is a 10% Sulfur Cream containing sulfur, which is known to kill scabies mites on contact. The cream also contains camphor, menthol, and phenol which help to soothe sore, irritated skin caused by the condition.
ScabiBLAST Mite Cream Lotion
No products found.
Scabies is the most common skin infection in the United States. It is caused by a tiny parasite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs. The most common symptom of scabies is a rash of tiny bumps on the skin, which often appears on the hands, wrists, elbows and knees.
ScabiBLAST Mite Cream Lotion contains Pramoxine HCl, which is an ingredient that helps to dry up scabies rashes and relieve itchiness. This medication also kills mites that cause scabies infestation, but it will not cure your infestation if you have not been treated by a healthcare professional first.
The best way to get rid of scabies is by using a prescription lotion or cream that includes a permethrin 5% cream. It comes in a tube or a bottle with a pump dispenser. You should apply it two times per week for two weeks straight to kill mites and relieve symptoms during treatment.
Scabiesin Laundry Additive
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The most effective way to stop scabies is to ensure you wash your laundry including clothing and bedding in high heat. It’s also wise to use Scabiesin Laundry Additive to help stop these tiny white bugs on skin. We like this product because it is a natural, non-toxic product that will kill scabies mites, and eggs in your clothing and bedding.
The product is easy to use. Simply add it to your wash cycle and run a normal cycle as usual. It’s not necessary to dry the clothes afterward (as long as you don’t mind them being damp) but if you want more protection you can hang them out in the sun or tumble dry them on high heat after washing.
Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm
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Tea Tree Oil is a powerful oil that has been used to treat scabies for centuries. It has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help get rid of scabies mites, but it can also be used to treat the symptoms of scabies.
The above Tea Tree Oil balm has been developed to prevent and treat all forms of skin infection, with a particular focus on scabies. The tea tree oil in this product is specifically chosen for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
The ingredients in this balm are absorbed directly into the skin, where it helps kill bacteria and viruses that cause scabies. The tea tree oil also has soothing properties that can help calm down the itching caused by scabies.
Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm can be used as part of an at-home treatment program or as a preventative measure to stop scabies before it starts.
Home Remedies For Tiny Little White Bugs On Skin
Neem oil is a good home remedy for helping get rid of scabies.
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by scabies mites that burrow under the skin. The small, itchy bumps that appear on your body are actually burrows created by the mites.
There are a few home remedies you can use to get rid of these tiny white bugs on skin, however, most don’t work very well, especially on their own.
With that being said, there are some home remedies and do-it-yourself steps you can take to help get rid of scabies in conjunction with prescription products.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. It works well against many different types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and can even help fight tiny white bugs on skin. Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected areas twice a day for a few days until the condition subsides.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is another great home remedy to help tiny white bugs on skin, and it can also help aid in the healing of skin infections and wounds. The antibacterial properties of aloe vera help in healing wounds quickly. Take some aloe vera gel and apply it directly to the affected area two times daily for one week until you see an improvement in your condition. You can also mix the aloe vera gel with coconut oil or castor oil to enhance its effects further.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help in treating skin infections caused by fungus or yeast. You can simply apply a few drops of clove oil directly to the affected areas two to three times daily for several days until those little white bugs on skin are gone.
Cayenne Pepper
Ground cayenne pepper is an excellent home remedy for getting rid of tiny little white bugs on skin. It contains a compound called capsaicin, which is a natural insect repellent. You can use this powder directly on the affected area or mix a few drops in warm water and apply it as a mask. However, note that cayenne pepper can also burn your eyes and nose, and it may even be painful to open wounds.
Neem oil
Neem oil works as a natural insecticide and therefore can help to get rid of tiny little white bugs on skin. You can apply neem oil directly on the affected area or mix it with other essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus oil and apply it as a mask once every week for better results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it can kill the eggs of a number of different types of insects and mites. It’s also effective against other tiny bugs that may be hiding in your home. You can use apple cider vinegar around your home to keep the eggs of tiny white bugs on skin or scabies at bay. For extra cleaning power and insect repellent, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the combination.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for centuries as an all-natural remedy for many illnesses. It also works well against bed bugs, killing them within 24 hours of contact. Mix about one tbsp of turmeric powder with about four tbsp of water, then apply to the affected area on your skin (not directly on your skin). This should help reduce irritation from any bites you might have received from these little critters.
Zinc
Zinc oxide is another common ingredient found in many over-the-counter creams used to treat skin irritations caused by bug bites and may even be able to help when it comes to tiny white bugs on skin. You can buy zinc oxide ointment at most pharmacies or grocery stores, but if you don’t have access to one right now then you can use pure zinc oxide powder instead (just make sure it’s not mixed with anything else).
Mix together one tsp of zinc oxide powder with one tsp of water until it forms a paste. Apply this paste directly to the affected area, and leave it on for at least three hours before washing off with warm water and soap.
Wash Clothing and Bedding In Hot Water
Scabies are known for being able to survive off of human hosts for a prolonged period of time and can do so in even the cleanest homes, so if you want to get rid of them then you will need to wash all your clothes and bedding in hot water. This will kill any adult bugs hiding inside them, as well as their eggs. It may take several washes before all the pests are killed, so keep this in mind.
Garlic oil
Garlic is an effective natural treatment for scabies. Its antibacterial properties help to eliminate the bacteria responsible for causing the infection. Garlic oil can be prepared at home by mixing garlic cloves with sesame oil or coconut oil and then boiling it in a pan until the mixture thickens. It should be applied to the affected areas of the body once daily until the symptoms disappear entirely.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another effective remedy for treating scabies naturally at home without any side effects. It contains antifungal compounds that help to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot and jock itch as well as other skin ailments like ringworm and candidiasis (yeast infection). Apply tea tree oil directly onto your skin using cotton balls or gauze pads for best results
Scabies – The Complete Summary On Preventing These Pests
Scabies can be painful and itchy, but it is not dangerous and can be cured.
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by mites that burrow under the skin, causing intense itching and rashes, as we now know. While these tiny white bugs on skin can happen to anyone and in any environment, they are often more common in people with poor hygiene or people in unclean living conditions.
While scabies can affect anyone, it is especially common in children and people who live in crowded conditions as well. Other risk factors include:
- Immunosuppression (the reduced ability of the immune system to fight infection).
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer or other diseases that affect the immune system, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Scabies mites are spread through contact with an infected person or object such as bedding or furniture, so it’s important to not only treat these tiny white bugs on skin once you notice them but to also work to prevent scabies mites from coming back.
If you have scabies, it is important to consult your doctor, even if you plan on using home remedies for these tiny white bugs on skin. Scabies can be treated with medicated creams or lotions, but it’s important that you take all of your medications as directed. If you don’t take all of your medications as directed, you could end up with a secondary infection.
And remember, while there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding scabies, this disease can be cured and is not deadly.
If you have tiny white bugs on skin, don’t panic. Simply contact your doctor and follow the above tips and tricks for managing scabies from above.
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.