Benzyl benzoate (Benzoic acid benzyl ester) is one of the older preparations used for the therapy of scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei. Its symptoms are red spots, severe itching (particularly at night), and may lead to a secondary infection. Benzyl benzoate is useful in the therapy of scabies because it is lethal to this mite. It is also used for the therapy of lice affection of the body and head. Benzyl benzoate is not the therapy of choice for scabies because of its irritant properties.
