Parasites are known to affect more than 2 billion people each year. Antiparasitic meds aim to either inhibit the growth of parasites or destroy their colonies. Parasites these meds can deal with include helminths / worms, protozoan agents, etc. There are different types of medications under this realm – namely, antiprotozoal drugs, anthelminthics including anti-nematodes, etc. Ivermectin is one of the widely used antiparasitic medications. It was cleared for use among humans in the late 1980s. Can you use ivermectin cream for rosacea? It can be beneficial to have additional insights into this.
Antibiotics have capabilities to destroy parasites or stop their reproduction. These meds are administered either topically, orally or intravenously. Those who use these meds on their own run the risk of overdosing; excessive dosing can build resistance among parasites. A few broad-spectrum antiparasitic meds – such as nitazoxanide – are known for treating diseases caused by a large range of parasites.
Of the many diseases caused by parasites, river blindness is caused by a worm. The signs include itchiness, blindness and bumps showing up underneath your skin. This condition has been identified as one of the leading causes of blindness.
In this light, what is ivermectin?
This antiparasitic medication was discovered in mid 1970s, and was mostly used as a veterinary medication since then. During the late 1980s, it was cleared for usage among human beings. The key ingredients of this med are known to employ different ways to destroy parasites. Ivermectin is available both as an oral pill and also as a cream. The cream form is applied for skin-based conditions.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is used for conditions triggered by parasites like roundworm. These worms have a flexible survival mechanism; owing to which, they can thrive in almost any adverse conditions. You can find them in seawater, river water as well as on ground. In term of physical dimensions, roundworms are very slender and small. The tiniest worms are often microscopic and the largest ones can assume length measuring up to 3 feet or 1 m.
What is rosacea?
This is a skin condition of a long-term nature; it is known to affect your facial parts. Symptoms include formation of pimples, inflammation and reddening of facial skin. Those with rosacea tend to get these signs on their chin, cheeks, nose and forehead. What causes this condition remains largely unknown.
Rosacea gets worse when you are exposed to heat and also take large amounts of spicy and oily foods. In some cases, menopausal stage, intake of alcohol and living in stressful conditions have also triggered this condition. It is considered a non-curable problem. However, intake of meds can lessen its signs.
Ivermectin cream for rosacea
Ivermectin 1% cream has the approval of the US-based drug approving agency Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of rosacea. This cream has the capability to show remedial outcomes within 15 days of starting your dosage plan. Studies show that by using ivermectin cream for ~12 weeks can clear >50% of lesions.
Ivermectin cream for rosacea is more effective than other established drugs like say, metronidazole. However, there is not much research done on oral form of ivermectin for rosacea. FDA has not yet cleared its oral form to treat rosacea.
Other pointers you need to be aware of while using ivermectin cream for rosacea
Ivermectin cream is well-tolerated and is unlikely to cause any major, adverse effects. However, a few undesired outcomes may show up; these are drying of your skin, a burning sensation, an itchy and irritated skin. Most of these are of short-term nature, and with continued use these tend to disappear.
The effects of this medication are not fully studied on younger patients like children as well as women who are pregnant. Hence, you are advised to talk to a qualified skin specialist / dermatologist about using ivermectin cream for rosacea.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
