Olive oil-based lotion could simplify scabies treatment by clearing mites and eggs with a single application
Every year, around 400 million people worldwide are affected by an intensely itchy skin condition caused by microscopic parasitic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. Known as scabies, the infestation begins when the tiny mites burrow into the top layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. This triggers severe itching, inflammation, rash-like lesions and crusting. In a recent study, researchers…
Scabies, an intensely itchy skin condition caused by microscopic parasitic mites, affects around 400 million people worldwide each year. Conventional treatments often fail to eliminate both live mites and their eggs, leading to repeated dosing and potential drug resistance. A recent study has developed a single topical treatment using a lotion made from abametapir and flavesone dissolved in olive oil.
In a pig model, a single four-hour application of this lotion eliminated all live mites and viable eggs within 24 hours, with no recurrence over 42 days. This one-dose treatment significantly reduced itching and skin crusting within a week and could simplify scabies treatment, potentially lowering the risk of drug resistance. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness before it can be used in clinics.
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