Ivermectin (history)

[Guide]

Ivermectin (Stromectol) is a drug used in the USA for the eradication of mites in animals. It was announced at a yahoo r-s group on October 20, 2004 that this drug may give significant relief to some rosaceans. Here is a quote:

"... Oral Ivermectin (Stromectol) is making a huge difference in these sufferers facial symptoms and flushing triggers (yes, I said flushing triggers). Ivermectin is an anti-mite drug that is related to the macrolide antibiotics. It has a very good safety profile and less side effects than most antibiotics (and not one major side effect)..." [1]

Another report:

"Demodex is a saprophyte parasite in mammals. In Man, it is associated with differing clinical profiles (rosacea-like dermatitis, folliculitis and blepharitis). We report a case of demodecidosis in an HIV-infected patient that was successfully treated with ivermectin. CASE REPORT: A man from Laos, infected by HIV and treated for glandular tuberculosis, presented with a prurigenous eruption on the face and the pre-sternal and interscapular areas. Direct examination of scraped product and histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of demodecidosis. Clinical cure was obtained after 2 single cures of ivermectin a one month's distance. DISCUSSION: The features of demodecidosis are often similar to those of rosacea. In immunodeficient patients, the semiology remains the same but the eruption is more abundant. During HIV-infection, demodecidosis occurs at the AIDS stage or with a CD4 count lower than 200/mm3. Many anti-dust mite molecules are used to treat the disease but frequently lead to irritation. Administration of a single cure of ivermectin, repeated if necessary, appears to be an interesting alternative to contact anti-dust mite agents." [2]

Another report:

"...Oral or topical ivermectin may also be useful in such cases..." [3]

This topic has raised a number of questions and comments at the r-s yahoo group where all this originated. One clinical study in Germany says Ivermectin was ineffective and oral metronidazole was better. [4]

Galderma has applied for a patent using ivermectin and hydrocortisone "for treating skin conditions and afflictions, and especially for treating rosacea (formerly known as acne rosacea." [5]

Anecdotal Reports

Ivermectin for Demodex Thread at RF

More info

More info on Demodex Mites and Rosacea.

Galderma Releases Soolantra

Galderma received FDA approval for Soolantra Ivermectin cream in December 2014. More Information

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End Notes

[1] Rosacea Support Group post Wed Oct 20, 2004

[2] Demodecidosis in a patient infected by HIV: successful treatment with ivermectin
Clyti E, Sayavong K, Chanthavisouk K.

[3] The Management of Rosacea.
Rebora, A.. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002, Vol. 3 Issue 7, p489, 8p;

[4] Demodex abscesses: clinical and therapeutic challenges.
Schaller M, Sander CA, Plewig G.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Nov;49(5 Suppl):S272-4.

[5] AVERMECTIN/HYDROCORTISONE COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING AFFLICTIONS OF THE SKIN. E.G., ROSACEA