Comparison of topical and oral ivermectin

A recent study has found topical ivermectin to have better lice eradication rates than oral ivermectin.

The study by Ahmad et al., published in Dermatologic Therapy in July 2014, compared the treatment of 62 patients, half with topical 1% ivermectin, half with oral dosage.

The researchers suggest that, after 1 week's treatment, topical ivermectin delivers 'significantly higher' eradication rates compared to oral ivermectin.

Non-responsive patients were given a second dose of the initial treatment. This repeat dosage was almost universally effective, with no difference in efficacy visible between the two treatment modes.