Standard-dose ivermectin superior to high dose for severe scabies

Summary: Scabies is a very itchy skin infection caused by tiny bugs called mites that burrow into the skin. Sometimes, this infection can become severe and spread quickly in places like nursing homes. Doctors wanted to know if giving patients a much higher dose of a pill called ivermectin (along with a special skin cream) would cure the infection faster.

They tested a high dose against a standard dose. Surprisingly, the standard dose worked better! The standard dose cured 82% of people, while the high dose only cured 75%. The doctor who led the study explained that because these mites don't just drink blood, putting extra medicine into the bloodstream doesn't actually help. Doctors now recommend sticking to the standard dose to treat severe scabies.

For more details, see rssapp-healio-com at healio.com/news/dermatology/20260513/standarddose-ivermectin-superior-to-high-dose-for-severe-scabies (opens in new tab)