ScabOver (Ivermectin 1%) Cream

ScabOver general information

What is ScabOver used for?

ScabOver cream 1% is a topical treatment for the inflammatory lesions caused by Rosacea, which is a chronic skin condition characterised by a red rash mainly on the face including the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.  Symptoms of rosacea include flushing, red spider veins (telangiectasia), papules (hard pimples), pustules (pus-filled pimples), dry flaky skin, swelling of the face and eyes, burning skin, sore eyes and thickening of the skin.  Rosacea differs from acne by not producing blackheads or cysts.  There is an inherited disposition for rosacea but also several factors exacerbate the condition by increasing blood flow to the skin and causing inflammation.  These include sun exposure, cold temperatures, strong winds, some medications like steroids, certain foods like spicy foods, cheese and chocolate, hot drinks, wine, some facial creams and cosmetics, and stress.  The Dermadex mite that inhabits the facial hair follicles are a normal inhabitant of the skin and usually causes no problems.  However, they are found in greater numbers in the skin of those suffering from rosacea and are thought to be a trigger for inflammation.  Rosacea can also affect emotional well-being and mental health which may result in social phobias, anxiety, and depression.  ScabOver cream 1% helps relieve symptoms of rosacea and reduce the inflammatory lesions.

How does ScabOver work?

ScabOver cream 1% is contains ivermectin that is used to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea.  Although the mechanism of action of ivermectin in the treatment of rosacea is not fully known, it is known to have anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.  Ivermectin in ScabOver cream 1% inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like Interleukin-10 (IL-10) by macrophages at the site of inflammation^{1, 2}.  Ivermectin in ScabOver cream 1% may reduce inflammation by interacting directly with the nervous system of the Dermadex mite that is thought to be a trigger for inflammation in rosacea.  Ivermectin stimulates overproduction of neurotransmitters in the mite, without effect on skin cells, causing paralysis and killing the mite.  Reducing inflammation helps reduce the lesions and blemishes caused by rosacea, and the mild moisturising base of ScabOver cream helps soothe symptoms of rosacea. 

What does ScabOver contain?

ScabOver cream 1% may contains the active ingredient ivermectin (10mg/gm) in a cream base that is used to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea.   

Treating rosacea with ScabOver

ScabOver cream 1% is contains ivermectin, and anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory that is used to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea, a chronic skin condition with an inherited disposition characterised by a red rash mainly on the face including the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.  Symptoms of rosacea include flushing, red spider veins (telangiectasia), papules (hard pimples), pustules (pus-filled pimples), dry flaky skin, swelling of the face and eyes, burning skin, sore eyes and thickening of the skin, but differs from acne by not producing blackheads or cysts.  Symptoms of rosacea can be triggered by sun exposure, cold temperatures, strong winds, some medications like steroids, certain foods like spicy foods, cheese and chocolate, hot drinks, wine, some facial creams and cosmetics, and stress.  The Dermadex mite that inhabits the facial hair follicles are a normal inhabitant of the skin and usually causes no problems.  However, they are found in greater numbers in the skin those suffering from rosacea and are thought to be a trigger for inflammation.  Rosacea can also affect emotional well-being and mental health which may result in social phobias, anxiety, and depression.  Ivermectin in ScabOver cream 1% is thought to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and also by interacting directly with the nervous system of the Dermadex mite and killing the mite.  ScabOver cream 1% helps reduce inflammation and relieves symptoms of rosacea. 

What are the side effects of ScabOver?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking ScabOver cream 1% include burning sensation and irritation at the site of application.

When should ScabOver not be used?

You should not use ScabOver cream 1% if you:

• are allergic to ivermectin or any ingredients in ScabOver
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should ScabOver be used?

You should apply your ScabOver cream 1% once daily by adding small amount of cream to your fingertip and spread as a thin layer by rubbing gently into the affected areas.  Avoid contact with the eyes and lips.  You should continue to apply your ScabOver cream 1% for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for up to 12 weeks.

How long should you take ScabOver?

You should continue to apply your ScabOver cream 1% for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for up to 12 weeks.

Missed dose of ScabOver

If you miss a dose of ScabOver cream 1% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should ScabOver be stored?

You should store your ScabOver cream 1% below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. Raedler LA.  Soolantra (Ivermectin) 1% Cream: A Novel, Antibiotic-Free Agent Approved for the Treatment of Patients with Rosacea.  Am Health Drug Benefits 2015 Mar; 8(Spec Feature): 122–125.
2. Ci X, Li H, Yu Q, et al. Avermectin exerts anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation pathway. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2009;23:449-455.