Benzyl benzoate
Scabicides and pediculicides
Scabicides and pediculicides
A topical lotion that kills the scabies mite. It is the WHO-listed alternative to permethrin; it can burn on application.
Quick facts
- Group
- Scabicides and pediculicides
- Target
- Scabies mite and lice (molecular target not established)
- Used for
- Scabies · Head
- Key effects
- Burning sensation on application
- Monitor
- Skin irritation · Treatment of all close contacts
- ATC
- P03AX01
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
Benzyl benzoate is the ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid. Spread over the whole body, it is toxic to Sarcoptes scabiei and to lice, which die; its precise molecular target has not been established. It irritates, and absorption rises through broken skin, so it is kept off raw skin, the face and mucous membranes.
- Lotion spread over the whole body reaches the mites in their burrows
- It is toxic to the mites, which die
- Itch that persists afterwards is a reaction to dead mites
Indications
- Scabies, as an alternative when permethrin is unavailable or has failed Scabies →
- Head, body and pubic lice Pediculosis (head, body and pubic lice) →
Adverse effects
Common
- Burning sensation on application
- Contact dermatitis after repeated applications
- Irritation if it reaches the eyes
Contraindications
- Broken or raw skin (risk of systemic absorption)
- Face and mucous membranes
- Hypersensitivity to benzyl benzoate
Key interactions
- Some plastic containers used for dilution
- The lotion can damage certain plastics, so dilutions are prepared in glass.
What is monitored
- Skin irritation or dermatitis after each application
- Persistence of new lesions after the itch period, which suggests re-treatment
- Treatment of all close contacts
Administration and safety
- Applied to the whole body from the neck down, avoiding the face, eyes and mucous membranes; eyes are rinsed with plenty of water if splashed.
- In children it is diluted and left on for a shorter time; young children's hands are covered so they do not lick it or rub their eyes.
- Not applied to the breasts during breastfeeding.
- Clothing and bed linen of the patient and contacts are decontaminated after each treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not contraindicated in pregnancy; during breastfeeding it is not applied to the breasts.
Nursing care
- Warn that a burning sensation can follow application.
- Check the skin for raw areas before application; they are not covered.
- Treat close contacts at the same time, with or without symptoms.
- Explain that itch can last up to several weeks and is not a reason to re-treat by itself.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Absorption rises through broken skin, which is why it is not applied there.
- Onset and duration
- Acts during the application; itch may persist for weeks after cure.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why is benzyl benzoate never applied to broken skin?
Absorption through raw skin is higher and can cause systemic toxicity such as seizures.
What local effects are typical after benzyl benzoate is applied?
A burning sensation; repeated applications can also cause contact dermatitis.
What precaution is taken for young children treated with benzyl benzoate?
The lotion is diluted, and their hands are covered to stop them licking it or rubbing their eyes.
Connections
← Back to the class: Scabicides and pediculicides
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: BENZYL BENZOATE, lotion (Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF Medical Guidelines), 2026); Scabies (World Health Organization, 2026); Scabies: Diagnosis and Treatment with Images (DermNet, 2026); eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List (World Health Organization, 2025).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.