What exactly is topical Ivermectin used for? Learn about FDA-approved uses, how it works, side effects, and how to apply it.
Topical Ivermectin is FDA approved for 2 indications in humans: head lice and rosacea.
The medications for either condition are different as they have different strengths, plus they are used completely differently.
The topical Ivermectin medication for lice is found under the brand name Sklice, and it comes in a 0.5% strength.
The topical Ivermectin medication for rosacea can be found under the brand name Soolantra, and it is a 1% strength.
Learn More: The Top Rosacea Medications: The Latest in Rosacea Treatments
Topical Ivermectin is in the class of medications called antiparasitic agents.
When Ivermectin is used on head lice, the medication works by paralyzing and killing the lice and their eggs.
But, when it comes to Ivermectin treatment for rosacea, there may be a few different ways that it helps with symptoms.
When Ivermectin is used on the faces of people with rosacea, it has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce facial redness and swelling that are characteristics of the disease.
Also, Ivermectin may help with the irritation and blemishes from rosacea by reducing the numbers of demodex mites on the skin.
Those with rosacea have been found to have higher levels of these naturally occurring skin mites than those without rosacea.
And, the overgrowth of the demodex mite population may contribute to the irritation and pimples from the condition.
Most people that use topical Ivermectin will not experience side effects from using it on their skin or scalp when used as directed.
This topical medication tends to stay around the application site, and very little to negligible amounts of the medication can get into whole-body circulation to cause full body side effects.
But, when side effects do occur with topical Ivermectin they may consist of:
These side effects are generally mild to moderate and go away once the use of the medication is stopped.
Be sure to keep the medication away from the mouth and eyes when applying to avoid irritating side effects.
Also Read: What Is the Root Cause of Rosacea? 6 Potential Rosacea Development Factors
When using topical Ivermectin for rosacea, start with clean hands and a clean face.
Apply a pea-sized amount of the medication to each of the affected rosacea areas: forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose.
Do not only apply topical ivermectin to the blemishes from rosacea, but spread in a thin layer over the entire portion of the face.
Avoid the eyes and mouth when applying, and wash hands afterward.
Apply topical Ivermectin for rosacea as often as your doctor has prescribed, normally once daily. When using topical Ivermectin for lice, start by washing your hands.
Then, apply 1 full tube of the medication to your scalp and hair, starting by applying the tube contents thoroughly to the entire scalp, and then working it down the strands.
Make sure your hair and scalp are completely covered and then leave the medication on for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, rinse your hair with warm water and dry.
Then, comb through all of the hair with a flea comb to remove all nits and nit shells.
Talk to your doctor if you still see lice after 7 days.
For lice, topical Ivermectin is normally a one day treatment. Do not repeat the treatment without talking with your doctor first.
Topical Ivermectin is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to consult with a doctor in person or online before you are able to get the medication.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor in person, or, if you are looking to treat your rosacea with Ivermectin, you can have a free online questionnaire-based consultation with our Strut Health U.S. licensed doctors today.
Just submit a questionnaire and some images of your rosacea so that we can better understand your condition, this shouldn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes.
Ivermectin works well for those who are dealing with lots of papules and pustules from their rosacea, and we can also see if combining Ivermectin with other rosacea medications like metronidazole, azelaic acid, or oxymetazoline, is a good fit for your specific symptoms.
If you are a good candidate for a rosacea treatment formula containing Ivermectin, your prescription Ivermectin topical rosacea formula can be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.
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