What is Benzyl Benzoate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Benzyl benzoate is a topical medication primarily used to treat scabies and lice infestations. This clear, oily liquid works by killing parasites that burrow into your skin or attach to your hair, providing relief from the intense itching and discomfort these conditions cause.

If you're dealing with persistent itching or have been diagnosed with scabies or lice, your doctor might recommend this time-tested treatment. While it's been used for decades, benzyl benzoate remains one of the most effective options for eliminating these troublesome parasites.

What is Benzyl Benzoate?

Benzyl benzoate is an anti-parasitic medication that comes as a topical lotion or emulsion. It's a synthetic compound that belongs to a class of drugs called scabicides and pediculicides, which means it specifically targets and kills mites and lice.

This medication has been around for many years and is considered a reliable treatment option. It's available by prescription and works directly on your skin where the parasites live, making it highly effective for localized infestations.

What is Benzyl Benzoate Used For?

Benzyl benzoate treats two main conditions: scabies and lice infestations. Scabies occurs when tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei burrow into your skin, causing intense itching and a rash. Lice infestations involve small insects that attach to your hair and feed on blood from your scalp.

Your doctor might prescribe this medication if you have confirmed scabies or lice, especially if other treatments haven't worked effectively. It's particularly useful for treating the whole family when multiple people are affected, as these conditions spread easily through close contact.

In some cases, doctors may recommend benzyl benzoate for other skin parasites, though this is less common. The medication is especially valuable when dealing with treatment-resistant cases or when patients can't use other anti-parasitic treatments.

How Does Benzyl Benzoate Work?

Benzyl benzoate works by disrupting the nervous system of parasites like mites and lice. When applied to your skin, it penetrates the outer layer and reaches the parasites, causing paralysis and death within hours of contact.

This medication is considered moderately strong and effective. It doesn't just kill adult parasites but also affects their eggs, helping prevent re-infestation. The oily consistency helps it stay on your skin long enough to thoroughly eliminate the parasites.

Unlike some treatments that only work on adult parasites, benzyl benzoate provides comprehensive coverage. This means you're less likely to need multiple treatment cycles, though your doctor might still recommend a second application to ensure complete elimination.

How Should I Take Benzyl Benzoate?

Apply benzyl benzoate exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually as a single application from neck to toes. Take a warm shower or bath before application to open your pores, then dry your skin completely before applying the medication.

You don't need to take this medication with food or water since it's applied topically. However, make sure your skin is clean and dry before application. Apply the lotion or emulsion evenly over your entire body, paying special attention to areas between fingers, toes, wrists, and other common hiding spots for parasites.

Leave the medication on your skin for 8-12 hours, typically overnight. Wear old clothes or pajamas since the medication can stain fabrics. After the recommended time, wash off the medication with soap and warm water.

For lice treatment, focus the application on your scalp and hair, making sure to cover all areas thoroughly. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your condition and the severity of your infestation.

How Long Should I Take Benzyl Benzoate For?

Most people need only one or two applications of benzyl benzoate, spaced about a week apart. The first application kills the active parasites, while a second application eliminates any newly hatched eggs that weren't affected by the initial treatment.

Your doctor will determine the exact treatment schedule based on your specific situation. For scabies, you might need just one application, while lice infestations sometimes require two treatments to ensure complete elimination.

Even after successful treatment, you might continue experiencing itching for several weeks. This is normal and doesn't mean the medication isn't working. Your immune system needs time to clear the dead parasites and heal the skin irritation they caused.

What Are the Side Effects of Benzyl Benzoate?

Most people tolerate benzyl benzoate well, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common reactions occur at the application site and are usually mild and temporary.

Here are the side effects you might experience, organized from most common to less frequent:

• Skin irritation, redness, or burning sensation at the application site
• Temporary worsening of itching immediately after application
• Dry or flaky skin in treated areas
• Mild stinging or tingling sensation
• Contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin

These reactions usually fade within a few days as your skin adjusts. If irritation persists or worsens, contact your doctor for guidance.

Rare but more serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, though these are uncommon. Watch for signs like widespread rash, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Who Should Not Take Benzyl Benzoate?

Benzyl benzoate isn't suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain skin conditions or allergies. People with known hypersensitivity to benzyl benzoate or any of its ingredients should avoid this medication completely.

Your doctor will likely recommend alternative treatments if you have severe eczema, open wounds, or broken skin in the treatment area. The medication can cause excessive irritation when applied to already inflamed or damaged skin.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. While benzyl benzoate is generally considered safe during pregnancy, your doctor might prefer alternative treatments depending on your specific situation.

Children under two years old typically shouldn't use benzyl benzoate unless specifically prescribed by a pediatrician. Younger children have more sensitive skin and may be more prone to absorption-related side effects.

Benzyl Benzoate Brand Names

Benzyl benzoate is available under several brand names, though availability varies by country and region. Common brand names include Ascabiol, Benylate, and Scabanca, among others.

Many pharmacies also carry generic versions of benzyl benzoate, which contain the same active ingredient as brand-name products. Generic versions are often more affordable while providing the same effectiveness.

Your pharmacist can help you identify which brands are available in your area and explain any differences in formulation or concentration. Always use the specific product your doctor prescribed, as different brands may have slightly different concentrations or inactive ingredients.

Benzyl Benzoate Alternatives

Several alternative treatments exist for scabies and lice if benzyl benzoate isn't suitable for you. Permethrin cream is often considered the first-line treatment for scabies and is generally well-tolerated by most people.

For lice infestations, alternatives include malathion lotion, lindane shampoo, or newer treatments like ivermectin lotion. Each option has different application methods and effectiveness rates, so your doctor will help choose the best alternative based on your specific needs.

Some people prefer oral medications like ivermectin tablets, especially when dealing with widespread infestations or when topical treatments haven't been successful. Natural remedies like tea tree oil exist but are generally less effective than prescription medications.

Your doctor will consider factors like your age, pregnancy status, skin sensitivity, and the severity of your infestation when recommending alternatives. Don't switch treatments without medical guidance, as this could lead to treatment failure or resistance.

Is Benzyl Benzoate Better Than Permethrin?

Both benzyl benzoate and permethrin are effective treatments for scabies and lice, but they work slightly differently. Permethrin is often preferred as a first-line treatment because it tends to cause less skin irritation and is considered safer for children and pregnant women.

Benzyl benzoate might be more effective in cases where permethrin has failed or when dealing with treatment-resistant parasites. It penetrates the skin more deeply and may be better at eliminating eggs, potentially reducing the need for repeat treatments.

The choice between these medications often depends on individual factors like skin sensitivity, age, and previous treatment responses. Your doctor will consider these factors along with local resistance patterns when deciding which medication to prescribe.

Both medications have similar success rates when used correctly, so the "better" choice really depends on your specific situation and tolerance for potential side effects.