Mite ointments

Currently, dozens of different medications designed to combat ticks can be found on the market. As a rule, these are external agents that are applied to the skin. Ointment against ticks can have different effects: destroy or simply repel insects. Accordingly, ointments are divided into acaricides (destroying) and repellents (repelling). There is a third option - these are drugs of combined action. Which of the products should you choose?

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Indications for use

There are more than 40 thousand species of ticks, but not all of them pose a danger to humans. When talking about tick infestation, the following species are most often meant:

• Ixodid ticks are carriers of encephalitis and borreliosis;
• mite - the causative agent of scabies;
• Demodex mite, the causative agent of demodicosis;
• ear mites that cause otocariasis.

Read also:

• Ointments for scabies
• Ointments for demodicosis

If a person is found to have any of the listed parasites, for example, a subcutaneous mite, it must be eliminated as soon as possible.

This form of release, such as ointments, is most relevant in cases of damage by scabies mites or demodicosis pathogens, as well as for the prevention of attacks by ixodid parasites. For ear mites, more relevant are preparations in the form of solutions that are used to wash the auricles.

Names of ointments against ticks

Names of ointments	Pharmacodynamics Pharmacokinetics	Method of administration and dosage	Storage conditions Best before date
Ointment for subcutaneous mites
Metrogil	An effective ointment against ticks on the face, which has a wide antibacterial spectrum. It penetrates well into the superficial and deep layers of the skin.	Apply a thin layer to clean skin, possibly under a bandage. The effect appears over several weeks of use.	Store at room temperature for up to 3 years.
Trichopolum	Ointment against Demodex mites based on metronidazole. Destroys mites, stabilizes the protective function of the skin, eliminates signs of inflammation.	Apply to affected areas, possibly in combination with oral Metronidazole.	Store in a dry, dark place for up to 2 years.
Ornidazole	Antiprotozoal and antimicrobial agent based on nitroimidazole. Has a broad spectrum of action, except for aerobic microorganisms.	Use several times a day in combination with the main treatment.	Store at room temperature for up to 3 years.
Ichthyol ointment	The ointment has a local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, has a keratostatic and antipruritic effect.	Apply an even layer 1-2 times a day.	Store for at least 3 years at temperatures up to +25°C.
Yam ointment	Ointment against bed mites, has acaricidal and fungicidal action.	Before use, mix the ointment and rub it lightly into the affected areas of the skin, leave for 5-15 minutes and wash off with water. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day for 1-2 months.	Store at room temperature for 1 year, or 2 weeks after opening the bottle.
Ointment for ear mites
Aversectin ointment for ear mites	A drug whose active substance has a detrimental effect on the parasite. The ointment is low-toxic and hypoallergenic.	Used for applications to the affected area.	Store in a cool place for up to 2 years.
Oridermil	Antiparasitic and antimicrobial ointment based on neomycin and nystatin.	Insert into the ear canal 1-2 times a day, every other day, for one week.	At normal temperature – one and a half years, and after opening the jar – 2 months.
Vishnevsky ointment	Antimicrobial, astringent and drying agent based on xeroform and tar.	Apply with a tampon twice a day.	Store at temperatures up to +18°C for up to five years.
Eye Mite Ointment
Demalan	A multi-component ointment based on nitroimidazole, used for the treatment and prevention of bacterial and parasitic infections, as well as demodicosis blepharitis.	Apply to the borders of the upper and lower eyelids 1-2 times a day, preferably at night. Treatment period: 45 days.	Store in the refrigerator for one year from the production date.
Zinc-ichthyol ointment	Astringent, drying and disinfectant preparation.	Apply to the affected area 1-2 times a day.	Store in a cool place for up to 5 years.
Ointment for scabies mites
Sulfur ointment	Anti-scabies ointment with disinfectant action.	Apply to affected areas as needed.	Store in a cool place for up to 3 years.
Benzyl benzoate	A drug that has a toxic effect on scabies pathogens.	A suspension based on benzyl benzoate is rubbed into the skin and then left on for 3 hours.	Store for one week after preparation in a cool place.
Zinc ointment	Antiseptic, astringent and drying agent.	Use in a thin layer up to 2 times a day.	Store in a cool place for up to 3 years.
Ointment after a tick bite
Bacitracin	Ointment containing bacitracin-zinc is an effective antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.	The drug is used 2-3 times a day, it can be applied under a bandage. Duration of therapy is 7 days.	The ointment should be stored at a temperature not exceeding +25°C.
Polymyxin	An ointment whose action is directed primarily against gram-negative bacteria.	Apply to the affected area 1-2 times a day for one week.	Store in a dry place for up to three years.

In addition to the listed drugs, Demodex Complex drugs, used for complex therapy of mite lesions of the skin, eyes and body, have received excellent reviews.

Using tick repellent ointments during pregnancy

If you are infected with ticks during pregnancy, you should definitely consult a doctor who will recommend only those medications that will not harm the process of gestation and the intrauterine development of the baby.

It is most dangerous to use medications in the first half of pregnancy, when the main organs and systems of the child are being laid down. First of all, this applies to metronidazole-based ointments.

If possible, it is better to postpone the use of tick ointments until a later period – after the birth of the baby.

However, there are relatively safe tick repellents that are approved for use by pregnant women:

• sulfur ointment;
• zinc ointment;
• Demodex Complex milk;
• Xinshen and Kang (DK) cream.

Such products can be used after prior consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications to the use of ointments against ticks

Contraindications to the use of tick ointments are:

• first half of pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• childhood;
• tendency to allergies to the components of the drug.

More detailed information about contraindications should be clarified in the instructions for a specific drug.

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Side effects

After external application of tick ointments, the penetration of drug components into the circulatory system is insignificant. For this reason, there is no reason for the occurrence of systemic side effects.

Rarely, local manifestations may occur in the form of itching, rashes, reddening of the skin, minor swelling, which is often a sign of the development of an allergic reaction. Also, the likelihood of a feeling of dryness and tightness of the skin, peeling, which depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's skin, is not excluded.

After completion of treatment, side effects disappear on their own and do not require specific treatment.

Overdose and interactions with other drugs

Since external preparations do not enter the systemic bloodstream to a large extent, the probability of overdosing on tick ointments is practically reduced to zero.

Ointments containing metronidazole (eg, Metrogyl) may increase the prothrombin index when used in combination with indirect anticoagulants.

It is not recommended to use several tick ointments at the same time to avoid overdrying the skin.

External preparations are not the only remedy that a doctor can prescribe for a tick infestation. In some cases, oral medications are used, the main purpose of which is to eliminate inflammatory phenomena, restore impaired metabolism and prevent further progression of the disease. However, tick ointment is considered the most effective and fast-acting remedy, as it directly contacts the parasitic pathogens.