Benzyl benzoate ointment helps against scabies and lice. In the first case, it is applied to the entire body, after 2-3 days you can swim and then repeat the treatment. Such procedures need to be carried out 4 times with a complete change of linen. For pediculosis, the drug is rubbed into the scalp or perineal area for 30 minutes, washed off and nits are combed out with a fine comb. If necessary, reuse the next day.
Even when used correctly, the application site may become more sensitive or skin irritation may occur. Ingestion (accidental) or application of a large dose to an inflamed, burned surface is dangerous, as convulsions or impaired kidney function are possible. The medication is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, and for children it is used half diluted with water.
Characteristics of Benzyl benzoate ointment
Benzyl benzoate ointment is a product designed to kill scabies mites and lice. On the recommendation of a doctor, it can also be used for certain skin diseases (demodex, seborrhea, acne). The main characteristics of the drug are shown in the table.
| Sign | Properties of benzyl benzoate ointment |
| Group of medicines | Antiparasitic agents for external use |
| Compound | Sodium benzyl benzoate and auxiliary components: stearic acid, water, triethanolamine, polyethylene oxide, arepol, nipazole, Tween-80 |
| Active ingredient concentration | 20 g benzyl benzoate per 100 g ointment (20%) |
| Release forms | Tubes of 25 or 30 g in cardboard packaging with instructions for use |
| Manufacturers in Russia | "Altaivitamins", Moscow and Tula pharmaceutical factories, "Nizhpharm", "Retinoids" |
| What is the price | 20-35 rubles |
| Do I need a prescription? | Dispensed at a pharmacy without a prescription |
| Best before date | 3 years |
| Storage conditions | At temperatures up to 25 degrees, protect from freezing |
What substances does it contain?
The active ingredient of benzyl benzoate is benzoic acid phenylmethyl ester, which has a detrimental effect on ticks and lice.
It also contains additional components that enhance the antibacterial effect:
- sodium hydroxide;
- nipazole;
- carbopol;
- polysorbate.
The drug does not accumulate in the skin, but penetrates the body of parasites.
Important advice from the editors
If you want to improve the condition of your skin, you should pay special attention to the creams you use. A frightening figure - 97% of creams from well-known brands contain substances that poison our body. The main components due to which all the troubles on the labels are designated as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, E214-E219
Parabens have a negative effect on the skin and can also cause hormonal imbalance. But the worst thing is that this nasty stuff gets into the liver, heart, lungs, accumulates in organs and can cause cancer. We advise you not to use products that contain these substances. Recently, experts from our editorial team conducted an analysis of natural creams, where first place was taken by products from Mulsan Сosmetic, a leader in the production of all-natural cosmetics. All products are manufactured under strict quality control and certification systems. We recommend visiting the official online store mulsan.ru. If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date; it should not exceed one year of storage
The main components due to which all the troubles on the labels are designated as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, E214-E219. Parabens have a negative effect on the skin and can also cause hormonal imbalance. But the worst thing is that this nasty stuff gets into the liver, heart, lungs, accumulates in organs and can cause cancer. We advise you not to use products that contain these substances. Recently, experts from our editorial team conducted an analysis of natural creams, where first place was taken by products from Mulsan Сosmetic, a leader in the production of all-natural cosmetics. All products are manufactured under strict quality control and certification systems. We recommend visiting the official online store mulsan.ru. If you doubt the naturalness of your cosmetics, check the expiration date; it should not exceed one year of storage.
What is the drug used for?
Benzyl benzoate ointment helps against subcutaneous mites (scabies, demodicosis) and lice (head lice, lice pubis). After application, the active substance penetrates the skin and accumulates inside the parasites. After 3-5 hours, lice and their larvae die, and 7-30 minutes are enough to destroy scabies pathogens. Dermatologists also use this remedy in the treatment of skin diseases:
- oily seborrhea,
- pityriasis versicolor,
- pink acne,
- demodicosis of the facial skin.
Is benzyl benzoate possible during pregnancy, lactation, for children?
The drug is not used during pregnancy and lactation, and for children Benzyl benzoate is prescribed from 3 years of age.
Up to 6 years, it is recommended to use 10% ointment, but since it is very rarely on sale, it is possible to mix 20% of the drug in equal quantities with warm boiled water (30-35 degrees) and thoroughly rub until a homogeneous consistency.
Side effects
Most often, patients report a sensation of tingling, tingling, burning and/or itching after applying the ointment. They are considered a natural reaction and disappear after 2-3 days. If you are allergic to the drug, such phenomena do not disappear on their own, but intensify with each subsequent use of Benzyl benzoate ointment. Therefore, if there are severe signs of skin irritation, swelling or rashes, it is necessary to stop treatment and consult a dermatologist.
At the end of the course, the area that was treated is characterized by an increased reaction to cosmetic and external medicinal products; there is often redness, dryness, peeling, and itching lasts about 2 weeks. In such cases, the doctor may recommend the additional use of antipruritic drugs, including hormonal ones (for example, Prednisolone ointment).
Among the complications when rubbing benzyl benzoate ointment in were recorded:
- contact dermatitis;
- rashes like urticaria;
- persistent swelling and redness of the skin.
Contact dermatitis
They are often a reaction not only to benzyl benzoate itself, but also to the excipients of the ointment. Particular sensitivity of the skin is noted in the perineal area and on the face, parotid.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in:
- intolerance to components;
- child under 3 years of age;
- pregnancy (all trimesters);
- lactation;
- pustular rashes;
- infectious skin lesions until the diagnosis is clarified;
- open wound or burn surface, extensive inflammation.
Overdose
The drug is practically not absorbed through the skin, so the risk of overdose when used correctly is low. If you apply a lot of ointment, itching, burning, redness and swelling of the skin may increase. If the drug is swallowed or a large amount of it gets on a wound or burn, then this is extremely dangerous, since benzyl benzoate is toxic to the nervous system and kidneys. There may be confusion, convulsions, and cessation of urine output.
For treatment, wash off the ointment with soap and water. The stomach (if ingested) is washed and given to drink 10 tablets of activated carbon, crushed and mixed with water. If necessary, the patient is hospitalized and anticonvulsants are administered.
Other forms of release of the drug
In Russia, Benzyl benzoate is available for sale in the form of an ointment and 20% emulsion. The second dosage form is available in 200 ml bottles. It is also incorrectly called a suspension, but there are no solid particles in it. Other manufacturers of the drug (for example, Ukrainian) also have Benzyl benzoate cream. Sprays and shampoos for lice and scabies are not made with this active ingredient.
Side effects
When used correctly, adverse reactions are rare. The drug is characterized only by local side effects caused by the action of the chemical compound on the tissue. Typical immunopathological manifestations are possible when the patient’s immunity is sensitive to the substances contained in the ointment or emulsion (allergy). Intolerance is also possible. You need to study the composition and consult a doctor before use.
Possible adverse reactions:
- Pain in the skin area.
- Skin rashes.
- Itching of the skin.
- Dry skin.
- Other allergic manifestations.
If signs of an allergy appear during skin treatment, you should stop using the medicine and make an appointment with your doctor.
How to use benzyl benzoate ointment for scabies
Benzyl benzoate ointment for scabies is used according to the rules:
- first you should take a hot shower: apply soap or gel to the entire body, rinse with water and dry with a towel;
- apply the drug in the following sequence: palms, hands, neck, torso and upper limbs, legs, feet and spaces between the fingers;
- carefully (without rubbing) treat the perineal area and mammary glands;
- if after an hour the product has completely dried, then you need to apply another layer;
- put on clean linen, clothes and change the bed;
- After 1-2 days, take a hot shower and change your underwear and bed linen again.
From 15 to 20 g of ointment is consumed at a time.
While applying the ointment, do not wash for 24-48 hours, do not wet your hands with water for 3 hours, and if this is necessary, then re-smear the area. Do not lubricate your face or hair growth area on your head. Also, do not rub into areas of inflammation or rashes; only gentle application is allowed (with pinpoint light touches).
Method of use for lice and nits
Benzyl benzoate ointment also helps against lice and nits, but the method of application in this case is different: the drug is applied to the scalp and hair, and for lice pubis it is rubbed into the inner surfaces of the thighs, groin folds, abdomen and pubis. After treatment, the head is tied with a scarf and the mask is kept on for 30 minutes. The groin area is covered with a clean diaper for 25-35 minutes, depending on the burning sensation.
After this, it is necessary to wash off the preparation with warm water and soap, rinse the hair on the head with a vinegar solution (a tablespoon per glass of water), then comb out the nits with a fine-toothed comb. A day later, they check how effective the procedure was. If there is any doubt, then it is repeated.
How to treat pityriasis versicolor
For pityriasis versicolor, the ointment is applied to the spots 3-4 times a day in a very thin layer with light rubbing. Treatment continues until the spots disappear. This usually takes 10-15 days.
Pityriasis versicolor
It is important to consider that in case of repeated cases of exacerbation, it is difficult to manage with external agents alone, so antifungal drugs are prescribed for internal use in tablets.
Treatment of scabies with benzyl benzoate
Treatment of the body with Benzyl benzoate ointment for the treatment of scabies is carried out 4 times with an interval of 3-4 days, so an adult will need 60-90 g of the drug per course. Repeated courses are needed to influence ticks that are in the larval stage. If things are properly disinfected, this course is quite enough to get rid of infection.
For children from 3 to 5 years old, take 10% ointment or dilute 20% medication halfway with water. Before application, the child does not need a bath, since his skin has a high penetrating ability. You can take a shower 3-4 hours before the procedure. Most often, the doctor prescribes two treatments with an interval of 12 hours. Therefore, only 1 tube of ointment will be enough for children.
Scabies
If the patient has a special form of scabies with the formation of crusts (Norwegian or crust), then it is necessary to first clean the skin from the dense layer of the epidermis. For this purpose, creams containing urea are used. After removing the crusts, apply Benzyl benzoate ointment. With this type, Benzyl benzoate is often applied to the head, face, and parotid area.
How to remove odor
Benzyl benzoate ointment has a subtle, specific odor that is not noticeable at all after a few hours, so there is no need to specifically remove it. This drug differs significantly from sulfur ointment. After application, you should not take a bath or shower for 1-2 days, and after subsequent washing with soap, there is no discomfort at all.
Observation after treatment
It is important to note that itchy skin may persist for at least 7-10 days after treatment. It reflects the reaction of the skin to the presence of tick waste products and its destroyed cells. To relieve the sensation, antipruritic drugs (for example, Psilo-Balm) or hormonal ointments (Beloderm Express) are prescribed.
After completing treatment for parasitic infections, it is mandatory to come for a follow-up examination 2 weeks later. In case of complicated disease or combined infection, medical observation lasts for at least 1 month.
Contraindications
Some patients are not prescribed due to the risk of dangerous complications during use. If the patient has hypersensitivity to the substances included in the dosage form, the drug is not prescribed. The drug is never prescribed to infants due to the likelihood of suffocation and death.
Appointed by a specialist
Other contraindications:
- Age up to three years.
- Carrying a child.
- Purulent inflammation of the skin.
- Open skin lesions in the area of application.
- Breastfeeding period.
The ointment or emulsion should not get inside, into the area of the eyes and mucous membranes. Only local (skin) use to eliminate the risk of absorption of the active component into the bloodstream.
Analogs of Benzyl benzoate
Benzyl benzoate is only available under the same name, but if necessary, it can be replaced with other anti-pediculosis and anti-scabies agents. They will not have the same composition, but their action is similar (see table).
| Name | Compound | Indications | Peculiarities | Treatment for adults | Treatment of children | Price in rubles |
| Medifox | Permethrin | Pediculosis | Not possible until 2 months | Apply to the entire body or scalp, perineum for 40 minutes, then rinse | 130 | |
| Hellebore tincture | Hellebore extract with alcohol | Head lice | Shown only to adults | Apply to hair roots for 30 minutes | — | 25 |
| Sulfuric ointment | Sulfur | Scabies | Not allowed until 2 years old | Rub into the skin of the entire body at intervals of 2-3 days. | 25 | |
| Nyuda | Dimethicone | Pediculosis of the head | Not allowed under 3 years old | Spray onto hair until completely moisturized, after 45 minutes comb out and wash hair | 615 | |
Features of the disease
For those who don’t yet know whether you can get scabies, the answer is yes. Scabies is a highly contagious disease, and in order to “catch” it, you need contact with an infected object. It is not necessary to touch a sick person; it is enough to touch his personal belongings, for example, bedding or clothes. Since the clinical manifestations of the disease are very uncomfortable, the patient simply cannot ignore or tolerate them.
What is scabies
Skin irritation occurs not because of the scabies mite, but because of the body’s protective reaction to it and its waste products. The development of allergies occurs gradually, so the patient experiences the first signs 2-3 weeks after infection. With repeated illnesses, symptoms appear immediately.
Characteristic symptoms of scabies
In order not to start the disease, at the first suspicious symptoms you should immediately consult a doctor for a diagnostic examination. Only a qualified dermatologist can determine the type of mite and prescribe tablets for scabies.
Benzyl benzoate for demodicosis
Benzyl benzoate ointment is used in the treatment of rosacea (pimples, acne) if its connection with demodicosis, that is, infection with mites, has been proven. Signs of this disease may include:
- persistent acne;
- resistance to main acne medications;
- pronounced change in skin color (redness, purplish tint or gray, unhealthy).
How to apply to face, how many times and for how long
The anti-demodex drug is applied in a very thin layer to the skin of the face with a slight rubbing 3 times a day, while it is important to protect the eyes from accidental contact with the medication. The duration of treatment is individual, it can be from 7 days to 3 or more weeks. The criterion for effectiveness is the cessation of rashes and itching, lightening and cleansing of the skin, and the elimination of acute inflammation.
Demodectic mange of the eye
Mode of application
Emulsion
- It is better to carry out the procedure before bedtime;
- Before applying the emulsion, rinse the skin thoroughly with clean water;
- after this, the product is sequentially applied to the hands, body and face, legs and toes, feet;
- only after this can you put on clean underwear;
- hands should not be washed for 3 hours after treatment; after this time, the emulsion is washed off the hands, but reapplied after each wash;
- The drug is washed off the face and body only on the 4th day using liquid soap;
- after water procedures, re-treatment is carried out;
- You should wear clean clothes and fresh linen every day.
If it is necessary to use benzyl benzoate emulsion for children from 3 to 5 years old, it is recommended to dilute it in half with water.
special instructions
Scabies and pediculosis are transmitted to contact persons, so it is important to undergo simultaneous treatment with the sick person. Success in getting rid of parasites will also be determined by the thoroughness of sanitary processing of items (see table).
| Name of items, personal items | Processing method |
| Towel, underwear and bedding | Boil for 10-15 minutes with washing powder or shaved laundry soap |
| Outerwear (coats, dresses, suits, etc.) | Iron on both sides with a hot iron or steam with a steam humidifier; if this is not possible, then hang it in the air for 3-5 days. |
| Toys, shoes, books, gadgets | Place in a plastic bag for 5 days, and only then can they be used |
| Mattresses, pillows, blankets | Take it outside for 5 days or treat it with steam. |
| Cushioned furniture | Vacuum and immediately shake out the bag, spray the anti-pediculosis agent Medifox, Sulfox, Dobrokhim FOS |
| Floors and furniture surfaces | Wet cleaning using antiparasitic or disinfectants |
Precautions for use
When applying the drug, do not allow it to come into contact with the nose, mouth or eyes. If this happens, then the nasal and oral cavities should be rinsed with water as quickly as possible, and a weak solution of baking soda (a flat teaspoon per glass of water) is suitable for the eyes. It is recommended to rinse the stomach with the same composition, but in a larger volume (about 1.5 liters) in case of accidental ingestion of Benzyl benzoate.
When treating with medication, it is not recommended to simultaneously apply any cosmetic and external medicinal products; they may weaken the effectiveness of treatment or cause allergic reactions. If you do not maintain the required interval during processing and use soap and water earlier, the active ingredient in the ointment will curdle and lose its antiparasitic properties.
Drug price
The drug Benzyl benzoate ointment is included in the budget category, since one tube costs from 20 to 35 rubles. Only the treatment of scabies will cost more, since up to 4-5 packs of ointment may be required. You can purchase the emulsion at a price of 165 rubles per 200 ml.
We recommend reading about how and when to use Levomikol ointment. From the article you will learn how to properly use the ointment in urology, gynecology, dentistry, for burns, open and purulent wounds, and acne. And here is more information about what Panthenol ointment is used for.
Benzyl benzoate ointment is prescribed for the treatment of scabies, lice infestation, demodex mites, oily seborrhea and rosacea. It is important to simultaneously treat contact persons and process personal belongings.
