From the Guidelines
Ivermectin can be an effective treatment for certain skin conditions, particularly rosacea, with a recommended topical application of 1% cream once daily to affected areas for up to 16 weeks, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The use of ivermectin for skin issues, specifically for rosacea, has been FDA approved since 2014, with clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in reducing inflammatory lesions and Demodex folliculorum density 1.
- For scabies treatment, while ivermectin is an option, the standard dose is 200 micrograms per kilogram of body weight taken orally as a single dose, often repeated after 1-2 weeks, with consideration of alternative regimens such as permethrin 5% cream or malathion 0.5% lotion 1.
- It's crucial to note that ivermectin should only be used under medical supervision to avoid adverse effects, and completion of the full treatment course is essential even if symptoms improve quickly to ensure complete eradication of parasites.
Treatment Considerations
- Topical ivermectin 1% cream is specifically indicated for the treatment of rosacea, with application once daily to affected areas for up to 16 weeks 1.
- Oral ivermectin for scabies should be taken with food to increase bioavailability and penetration into the epidermis, with adjustments not required for patients with renal impairment but caution advised in severe liver disease 1.
- Side effects of ivermectin can include skin irritation with topical use or headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms with oral use, emphasizing the need for medical supervision 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Ivermectin for Skin Issues
- Ivermectin has been used to treat various skin issues, including scabies and head lice infestation, with effective results and minimal side effects 2, 3, 4.
- The drug has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a potential treatment for inflammatory cutaneous disorders such as papulopustular rosacea and atopic dermatitis 3, 5, 6.
- Topical ivermectin has been shown to improve allergic skin inflammation by reducing the priming and activation of allergen-specific T cells, as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines 6.
- Ivermectin lotion formulations have been found to be safe and effective in eliminating head lice infestation, with the highest level of eradication achieved with a 0.5% concentration 4.
- The potential applications of ivermectin in dermatology include the treatment of scabies, head lice, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions, due to its anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties 3, 5.