Benzyl benzoate 10% – a remedy for skin parasites

Release form

In addition to killing lice, this medicine is also used to treat scabies and acne. Even in Soviet times, benzyl benzoate was an integral part of a paramedic's first aid kit.
As before, the drug has a low cost. This medicine is available in the form of an ointment, emulsion, and gel.

Benzyl benzoate is an antiparasitic drug, which includes: Benzyl benzoate, emulsion wax, cetostearyl alcohol, acid (citric and stearic), water, laundry soap (other elements directly depend on the form of release of the medicine).

The active substance of the product has the ability to penetrate the shell of lice, accumulating in lethal dosages for adults. Parasites die 2-6 hours after taking the product.

Read more about the types of lice, how they reproduce, and the incubation period on our website.

Using lice medication

Benzyl benzoate belongs to the pharmacological group of antiparasitic drugs. Previously, the drug was very popular and was available in all medical institutions, but modern doctors almost never prescribe Benzyl benzoate for head lice. It still continues to be popular among the people due to its effectiveness and accessibility.

The use of medication against parasites is very effective due to its chemical composition. The main active ingredient is benzoic acid phenylmethyl ester. The preparation also contains as auxiliary components: citric acid, laundry soap, emulsion wax, cetostearic alcohol, stearic acid, distilled water.

The medication is poisonous and is used only as an external agent. When applied topically, the medicine is not absorbed into the skin and does not enter the bloodstream. Therefore it is absolutely safe. The drug effectively fights not only lice, but also scabies and skin mites.

Toxic substances of the product penetrate the louse through its dense chitinous layer and accumulate in the body. The drug affects both adults and larvae. The death of parasites occurs within 2-5 hours after application. But Benzyl benzoate does not kill parasite eggs - nits.

The drug is distinguished by a light yellow or white color and a sharp, specific chemical odor. Benzyl benzoate has several forms of release:

• gel;
• cream;
• ointment;
• emulsion.

Each release form has several variations in the concentration of the toxic substance:

• the pediatric dose ranges from 5% to 10% of the poison content;
• dose for adults - 20-25%.

The use of the drug does not depend on its concentration. The difference lies in the form of release and purpose.

Benzyl benzoate for lice: instructions for use

ATTENTION! Before starting use, the person applying the product should undress to the waist and tie his hair with a scarf. After the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and take a shower. The things of an infected person should be washed and ironed.

To treat head lice, the emulsion, as well as the ointment, should be applied to the hair, based on the proposed schemes.

Emulsion

According to the instructions for using benzyl benzoate emulsion against lice, you must do the following:

• the contents well;
• moisten a small piece of cotton wool with the preparation;
• treat your hair. 25 ml of emulsion is consumed per application . If the hair is long or thick, then the amount of anti-pediculosis ointment is doubled;
• your head should be tied with a scarf or put on a special plastic cap;
• After half an hour, the hair should be rinsed using a vinegar solution. To prepare it, mix 1 liter of water and 50 ml of vinegar. This is necessary so that lice can be better combed out of the hair;
• The head should be washed using shampoo.

If necessary, this procedure should be repeated after 12 days. The effectiveness of using benzyl benzoate emulsion against lice can be assessed an hour after use.

Ointment

• lice ointment Benzyl benzoate should be applied to the scalp;
• the product should be rubbed into the scalp;
• wrap a cotton scarf around your head;
• in 30 min. the head should be washed with a solution of vinegar;
• wash your hair with shampoo.

IMPORTANT! After the procedure, you should comb out the lice using a special fine-tooth comb. In order to achieve maximum effect, up to 10 procedures should be done.

When to use ointment

According to the documentation, benzyl benzoate ointment for lice is used topically.

1. When treating versicolor and scabies, before using the product, you must take a warm shower with soap and then wipe dry with a towel. Apply the composition in a thin layer to the skin of the entire body, excluding the face and mucous membranes. After the drug is applied to your hands, it should not be washed off for several hours. Upon completion of the procedure, change bed and underwear. As a rule, according to reviews, the drug against lice helps in one go, however, there are reviews from patients who required a repeat procedure, and the course was extended to 10 days. Note: re-use of the product is only possible if live parasites or new burrows of scabies mites are detected, since itching and other signs of infection may persist for a month.
2. When treating Norwegian scabies, before using the product, it is necessary to remove all dead layers of skin. This can be done with the help of exfoliating substances, for example, salicylic acid.
3. Method of use for acne: rub in delicate circular movements onto the skin of the face, without touching the area around the eyes. The duration of the course depends on the speed of restoration of the skin and the elimination of the main symptoms of the disease (itching, inflammation).
4. In order to remove lice, the drug is rubbed with delicate circular movements into the scalp, after which the entire head is wrapped in a scarf. After half an hour, the composition is washed off, and the hair is rinsed with a 5% vinegar solution. At the end of the procedure, the hair is washed with shampoo or soap, and combed with a fine-toothed comb to eliminate lice eggs.

Contraindications for use

According to the instructions, the lice emulsion has certain contraindications for use, which you should not forget about in order to get the fastest effect.

The main situations in which the use of this drug is not recommended include:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• pregnant women;
• lactation;
• children under 3 years old;
• damage to the skin, even minor ones, for example, pustular formations on the skin.

In general, this product is harmless to the human body.

Where to buy the product

Method of application of the emulsion

According to the instructions for the benzyl benzoate emulsion against lice, this product is used externally. Before first use, you need to shake the drug thoroughly, which is indicated even in reviews of the drug. For adults, a 20% remedy is indicated, for children - 10%.

Application option depends on indications:

1. For pityriasis versicolor and scabies, it is necessary to generously moisten a gauze swab with the preparation and thoroughly rub the product into the skin (treat the skin of the arms, body, and legs sequentially). As a rule, about 100 grams of product are required per procedure. The drug is used 1 time/day for 3 days. Before the first procedure, as well as after a 3-day course of therapy, you should take a shower, change bed and underwear. If necessary, repeat the course.
2. Demodicosis and acne. Apply a thin layer of the product to clean facial skin up to 5 times a day. The duration of the course of therapy is determined individually and depends on the body's response to treatment - reduction of itching, cessation of the inflammatory process.
3. Seborrhea. Apply the product in a thin layer over the scalp, and after 40 minutes, rinse with shampoo. Carry out the procedure 2-3 times/week.
4. Pediculosis. Apply 25 grams of emulsion to the scalp using a cotton pad or gauze swab and lightly rub into the skin. Cover your head with a towel, and after 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the drug does not get on the face. Rinse your hair with a 5% vinegar solution (mix a glass of vinegar with a glass of water), then wrap your head in a scarf for another 1 hour. After the time has passed, thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo and remove nits by combing your hair using a fine-toothed comb. The result can be assessed after a day. If necessary, you can treat your head again with a vinegar solution.

How to use for children

According to the instructions for use, as well as patient reviews, benzyl benzoate emulsion against lice has its own characteristics of use in children:

1. First of all, children are allowed to treat the entire surface of the skin, including the scalp.
2. If used by children under 5 years of age, the product must be diluted with water. The water temperature should be no higher than 35 degrees, always boiled. The consistency of the emulsion will be similar to sour cream.
3. There is no need for children to shower; the product is applied to the skin 2 times a day with a 12-hour break.

Safety precautions

A few rules that should never be forgotten:

• The comb should be washed immediately after combing, because the lice themselves and their larvae remain on it;
• The comb should be washed in hot water, or even better, in boiling water. Read more about processing combs in our article;
• in order to comb out nits from long hair, they should be collected in a ponytail on one side, separating strand by strand, combed from the very roots;
• Combing should be done over the bathtub. This measure is to prevent lice from getting on the bed or floor.

This medicine is an effective remedy. If necessary, the drug can be supplemented with the use of other medications that can be purchased at the pharmacy.

As a rule, treatment should be continued for 3-5 days. If required, therapy can be increased to 10 days.

Mode of application

The ointment should be used according to the following instructions:

• The first treatment with the product is carried out in the evening. First, the patient should wash thoroughly with warm water and baby soap;
• After this, you can begin to treat all areas with scabies with ointment. First you need to apply it to your hands;
• Next, it is rubbed into the places where the affected areas are located;
• After use, it is advisable to wear clean clothes;
• The next two days there are breaks. The product does not need to be washed off;
• On the fourth day, treatment is performed according to the same scheme as during the first procedure;
• Hands also do not need to be washed after use; they can be lubricated with moisturizer;
• Complete rinsing of the ointment is done on the 5th day.

You should use no more than 15 grams of ointment at one time to avoid various side effects.

Also, when using ointment for pediculosis, you should remember the following recommendations:

1. Lice ointment should be applied only to the scalp and rubbed in slowly;
2. After use, the head must be bandaged with a scarf;
3. You need to keep the product for about 30 minutes;
4. Then the ointment should be washed off with running warm water;
5. And after washing off, rinse your hair with a 5% vinegar solution. The bite will weaken the attachment points of the nits, which can later be removed by combing the hair with a comb.

Benzyl benzoate for lice should be rubbed only onto the head area, and under no circumstances should it come into contact with the skin of the face. Therefore, it must be applied carefully and carefully.

Side effects and contraindications

ATTENTION! If side effects occur, you should stop taking the drug. If symptoms persist after discontinuation, you should go to the hospital.

When using Benzyl benzoate against lice, side effects such as dry head, itching, burning, cough, and other manifestations of an allergic reaction may occur.

Contraindications include the following conditions:

• period of pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding;
• skin lesions, such as fresh burns or wounds;
• small children under 3 years old.

IMPORTANT! Especially the drug should not be used in infants and premature babies, because dyspnea syndrome may occur.

Avoid getting the product into:

mouth. If this happens, you should immediately rinse your mouth using a soda solution (warm);

eyes. If this does happen, you should immediately rinse your eyes with a soda solution.

If there is pain in the eyes, you should use a novocaine solution for rinsing. And if the mucous membrane of the eye is irritated, then an albucin solution should be instilled;

stomach. If this happens, then you need to drink activated carbon.

Benzyl benzoate for lice is an effective remedy, however, it is prescribed less and less often. This is due to the fact that today there are more effective remedies for head lice that allow you to get rid of this disease in a very short time.

Our website has a lot of useful information about modern drugs that fight head lice: sprays for lice and nits - Nyuda, Paranit, Para Plus, Pediculen Ultra and Sulfur Ointment. And as a preventive measure and auxiliary substance, you can use folk remedies for lice, such as: vinegar, kerosene, dichlorvos, hairspray, hair dye, essential oils, including tea tree oil, hellebore water, hydrogen peroxide, tar, laundry and dust soap.

general description

Benzyl benzoate is a long-known remedy for lice, which has been widely used since the times of the USSR. It was used in hospitals and clinics, because the effect was colossal; within 3-6 hours after use, a patient with pediculosis was completely relieved of the disease.

The basis of the drug is phenylmethyl ester of benzoic acid, which actively destroys parasites. The minor substances of benzyl benzoate are:

• Citric and stearic acids,
• Laundry soap,
• Cetostearyl alcohol or emulsion wax,
• Distilled water,
• water emulsion,
• And other components, depending on the form of the drug produced.

Release form

Benzyl benzoate is available in two forms: cream, emulsion or gel. The drug is white or light yellow in color with an inherent specific odor. It is used exclusively for external treatment.

Release forms have different compositions:

1. Adult contains 20% and 25%,
2. Children's 5% and 10%,

That is why the instructions are the same for each product; this is implied in the time range.

Properties and Features

• Available without a prescription
• Acceptable cost,
• Very good performance
• In addition to killing lice, benzyl benzoate treats the scalp from their bites,
• It is also used in the treatment of scabies.

The principle of action of the drug

Due to the content of the aqueous emulsion, benzyl benzoate penetrates the body of parasites and accumulates there in doses that are lethal to them.

First of all, this component affects the nervous system of parasites, blocks all reflexes and functions, which leads to their complete disappearance.

This applies to both adults and larvae. Therefore, depending on the degree of damage, it is recommended to leave benzyl benzoate applied to the skin for 3 to 6 hours.

Indications and contraindications

This drug is also used to treat acne, scabies and to control mites, lice and other parasites.

Benzyl benzoate is contraindicated:

• Pregnant women and during breastfeeding,
• Children under 3 years old,
• In case of individual intolerance to the constituent components,
• If you have open scalp lesions,

When using benzyl benzoate, do not allow it to come into contact with the mucous membranes of the body. In case of contact, rinse the contact area thoroughly with soda solution.

The active substance is an acid, and soda has an alkaline base; upon interaction, the reaction will stop. And if the drug enters the body, then you should rinse the stomach with a soda solution with the addition of crushed activated carbon.

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits of Benzyl benzoate include:

• low cost;
• the drug is quite easy to use;
• a small list of contraindications.

Among the disadvantages we can highlight such manifestations as:

• it is not possible to get rid of parasites in one procedure;
• Using the product will not get rid of nits.

Dosage form

The drug is available in the form:

1. Ointments for application to the skin (10%). 1 g of the drug contains 100 mg of benzyl benzoate, distilled water, emulsion base. The ointment has a viscous consistency and white color and is packaged in tubes of 25 and 30 ml.
2. Emulsions for external use. 1 g of the drug contains 100 mg of benzyl benzoate, distilled water, emulsion wax, 72% laundry soap. The emulsion is supplied in bottles of 50, 100 or 200 ml. 1 bottle is placed in a cardboard box along with instructions.

Reviews

Vera, 35 years old: “I didn’t think it was possible to get scabies now. However, after a trip to summer camp, the children developed itchy skin. Upon examination, I found small dots. I remembered about a disease like scabies, which used to often arise in children's groups. I contacted a dermatologist, who conducted an examination and confirmed the diagnosis. Benzyl benzoate ointment was prescribed.

I started treating children with this remedy. I applied the ointment to the skin before going to bed, and treated all the toys with a disinfectant. The linen was washed and boiled. Within 5 days the itching and red dots disappeared. After application, a slight burning sensation occurred, which went away after 2-3 hours.”

Marina, 30 years old, Kursk: “After a trip to the recreation center, severe itching appeared that was impossible to tolerate. The skin became covered with red dots, which forced me to consult a dermatologist. The doctor discovered scabies. I thought that this disease was a thing of the distant past, but you can still get infected now. The dermatologist prescribed Benzyl benzoate, which became a salvation. I was treated for 5 days, during which time I stayed at home. The emulsion caused an unpleasant sensation; immediately after application, the skin stung, but I did not pay attention to it. I completed the course of treatment completely and forgot about scabies.”

Maria, 40 years old, Kazan: “The child brought lice from school. Since I didn’t want to cut my daughter’s hair and treat her with old methods, I took the child to a dermatologist. The doctor recommended an inexpensive and effective remedy - Benzyl benzoate ointment. The drug is easy to use - it is simply rubbed into the scalp. The main thing is to follow the instructions. My head burned a little, but the doctor warned me that this was a normal reaction. After a week’s course, I found no lice in my daughter’s hair.”

Valentina, 49 years old, Samara, dermatologist: “Benzyl benzoate is an effective means of eliminating scabies and lice. It quickly destroys parasites, with virtually no negative effect on the body. Before using the ointment and emulsion, I recommend clarifying the diagnosis, because the drug is ineffective for other skin diseases.”