Scabies treatment is third most common skin infectious diseases caused due to intense itching and scratching causing skin breaks which could be manifested by pimples, without treatment the symptoms could last for weeks. Scabies, which is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, is a known public health problem in crowded living conditions and institutional settings, including nursing homes, prisons and refugee camps. Management is mainly with topical scabicides and good enviromental hygiene to prevent reinfestation and oral ivermectin if indicated.
In endemic regions, a great deal can be done to prevent these diseases, through global health initiatives and awareness campaigns that help make sure many people receive timely diagnosis and treatment. And the need for fast-acting, safe, and cost-effective therapeutics is high, with pharmaceutical companies seeking to expand their portfolio of antiparasitic products. The global scabies treatment market will grow at a CAGR of 5.2% with an estimated revenue of USD 217.5 Million in 2025, while by the year 2035 this number is expected to reach USD 368.0 Million.
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 217.5 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 368.0 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.2% |
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The scabies treatment market is moderately dispersed in North America, owing to institutional outbreaks and rising awareness coupled with availability of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatment. Oral ivermectin and permethrin cream are adopted more often in the USA, particularly in elder care and homeless populations.
Telemedicine platforms are becoming an important option for healthcare professionals and dermatologist to consult skin disease with patients, leading to timely diagnosis and access to treatment. However, surveillance and management abscesses, including scabies, remains supported by public health departments
Europe is marked by established healthcare systems and highly recurrent demand for prescription scabicides. In the UK, Germany and France, for instance, countries are experiencing sporadic institutional outbreaks in nursing homes, hospitals and/or schools. Geriatric demographic projections and migration from endemic areas have been associated with growing incidence of scabies. Regulatory frameworks facilitate the approval of generic medicines, reinforcing the availability of permethrin and ivermectin at lower prices over time.
The Asia-Pacific region has the highest growth rate driven by the significant burden of neglected tropical disease (NTDs), poor sanitation, and overcrowding in urban-rural areas. Outbreaks of scabies are endemic in schools, slums and refugee populations in India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Such initiatives by the WHO and mass drug administration programs run by NGOs have improved availability of drugs and awareness at the community level. Local producers are scaling up production of virgin, inexpensive topical scabicides and combination therapy kits for mass distribution.
Challenges
Undiagnosed cases, treatment resistance, and limited drug innovation hinder progress.
Scabies is underreported in many parts of the world because of social stigma, a limited number of dermatologists and misdiagnosis of symptoms, the study said. Reinfestation and therapeutic failure may occur with inconsistent use of treatment regimens and poor environmental hygiene.
Emerging resistance to conventional treatments such as permethrin and ivermectin has become a concern in endemic regions. Also, very little investment in antiparasitic R&D has delayed the development of new classes of drug, and long regulatory timelines can further hinder the entry of novel therapeutics into the market.
Opportunities
Mass drug administration, pediatric-friendly formulations, and teledermatology drive future growth.
Inclusion of scabies on the list of neglected tropical diseases recognized by WHO paves the way for funding on an international basis, treatment campaign programs and drug donation programs. Promisingly, mass drug administration strategies with oral ivermectin are being rolled out and are showing success in endemic areas.
Pediatric-specific formulations are particularly needed in the schools and neonatal wards. There are also opportunities for OTC combination kits that feature antipruritic lotions and products that decontaminate the environment. Teledermatology apps and skin diagnostics on AI platforms are aiding in the early detection of skin cancers as well as follow-up care in both urban as well as rural areas.
Between 2020 and 2024, the scabies treatment market gained increased attention amid the pandemic-induced focus on hygiene and skin health. In some regions, supply chains for antiparasitic hands were strained bulk buying by health authorities in institutional outbreaks drained stockpiles. COVID-19 trials also briefly affected availability of ivermectin for scabies.
The market will shift toward integrated care models as of 2025, which is likely to include the use of pharmacologic treatment in conjunction with public health strategies and digital health monitoring. Plant-based scabicides, resistance-breaking therapies, and vaccine candidates atoud turn atoud aost aether. Interventions led by community health workers and school-based screening programs are likely to continue to grow, particularly in low-resource settings.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Emergency drug approvals and repurposing |
| Consumer Trends | Growing OTC demand, increased hygiene awareness |
| Industry Adoption | Hospitals, nursing homes, refugee shelters |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Global shortages and export controls for antiparasitics |
| Market Competition | Generic drug makers and regional pharma players |
| Market Growth Drivers | Institutional outbreaks and increased diagnoses |
| Sustainability and Impact | Limited focus on ecological safety of drug disposal |
| Smart Technology Integration | Basic e-prescriptions and diagnostic imaging |
| Sensorial Innovation | Standard topical application experience |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Expanded NTD drug registries and WHO-guided procurement |
| Consumer Trends | Pediatric-safe, combo treatment kits, and remote consultation platforms |
| Industry Adoption | Expansion into school health programs, NGOs, and digital pharmacies |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Localized drug production and public-private supply partnerships |
| Market Competition | Entry of biotech firms and R&D-backed combination therapy providers |
| Market Growth Drivers | Mass drug campaigns, pediatric focus, and telehealth-driven outreach |
| Sustainability and Impact | Safe disposal education, eco-packaging, and lifecycle supply planning |
| Smart Technology Integration | AI-based rash analysis, e-consultation platforms, and treatment reminders |
| Sensorial Innovation | Non-greasy, fast-absorbing creams and itch-relief dual-action formulas |
The market in the United States is expected to grow at a steady pace mainly due to growing awareness, routine screening programs for scabies in long-term care facilities, as well as the presence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure in the country. Communal scabies outbreaks are notably seen in nursing homes, shelters, and correctional facilities, leading to public health interventions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Topical therapies like permethrin and oral ivermectin are still the norm, and there’s increasing demand for patient-compliant options, however. New delivery mechanisms for medications are being sought by pharmaceutical companies in an effort to improve adherence and decrease rates of reinfestation.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 5.4% |
In the UK, scabies treatment use is underpinned by national health care coverage that ensures good access to scabicides through primary care and public health programs provided free of charge from the patients. Targeted interventions and surveillance strategies are driven by periodic outbreaks in schools, hospitals, and asylum centers.
The boost in market growth is because of increased focus on early diagnosis and treatment through general practitioners and dermatology clinics. Moreover, studies on resistance to standard therapies have driven clinical trials of novel agents and combination therapies.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 5.0% |
Further, the EU scabies treatment market is proliferating, majorly due to the aging population, rising rates of scabies among people in institutions, and growing cross-border population mobility. Frequent outbreaks of scabies in care homes and refugee accommodations have been reported by countries such as France, Germany and Italy and are met with government-backed treatment programs.
The European, Centre for Disease Preventions, and Control, (ECDC), encourages, standardized, inf guidelines, of diagnosis, and management. The demand for topical agents and oral therapeutics, as well as hygiene-based adjunct products, is rising, and pharmaceutical companies are exploring treatment protocols to prevent resistance development.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 5.2% |
Scabies treatment market in Japan is backed by early detection mechanism in elder care facilities and hospitals. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare advocates for those affected by infection-control notably through treatment regimens for institutions, especially nosocomial (as mentioned in [source]) cases.
While incidence rates are still low overall, increasing numbers of elderly patients and the push for high hygiene standards ensure a steady demand for treatment. Japanese pharma companies are investing in advanced formulations of permethrin and sulfur-based therapies, particularly those designed for sensitive skin and geriatric patients.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.9% |
The South Korea scabies treatment market is growing due to rising awareness in long-term care, military housing, and low-income community settings in the country. National health campaigns and institutional screening have aided in early-identification and containment.
Healthcare providers recommend oral ivermectin and topical permethrin as first-line treatments, and domestic pharmaceutical companies are producing generics to meet increasing demand. Government programs aimed at decreasing healthcare-associated infections are further propelling adoption of hygiene protocols, as well as driving the sales of supporting treatment product, such as disinfectants and skin soothers.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 5.3% |
As the incidence rates of scabies rise in low- and middle-income countries, urban centers and communal living conditions, the scabies treatment market is expected to witness the steady growth in public health systems and healthcare providers. Scabies is caused by the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and prompt and effective treatment is crucial to prevent transmission, reinfestation, or complications like bacterial superinfection.
Based on drug class and distribution channel segments, topical agents and hospital pharmacies lead the global market share on account of being cost-effective, highly efficacious, and first-line agents in clinics. Also, these segments facilitate the access to treatment pathways, enable rapid therapeutic response, and enable bulk procurement for outbreak control.
As no healthcare system meets the ideal for high access to dermatological care, and as scabies is now recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), the demand for cheap and easy-to-distribute treatments continues to rise, resulting in topical agents and hospital pharmacies becoming the focal point of disease control efforts.
| Drug Class | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Topical Agents | 69.4% |
The scabies treatment market dominated by topical agents owing to their targeted action, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness in prescription and over-the-counter form. First-line treatment is with permethrin 5% cream, which is the gold standard due to its high efficacy against adult mites and eggs with minimal systemic absorption. Other topical agents including benzyl benzoate, sulfur ointments, and crotamiton can be used as a better alternative especially in patients with contraindication for oral therapy or in resource-limited settings.
These agents may be applied directly to affected areas, providing quick relief from itching and reducing the risk for systemic adverse effects.Topical scabicides are more well-tolerated and are particularly favored in pediatric and geriatric populations. Their widespread use in institutional outbreaks including in schools, nursing homes and refugee camps further allows them to dominate treatment protocols. An increasing number of combination therapies (e.g., topical permethrin + oral ivermectin) further enables sustained growth of this category.
| Distribution Channel | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Hospital Pharmacies | 57.8% |
The hospital pharmacy segment is expected to hold the highest revenue share of the scabies treatment market based on distribution channel due to the significant role of hospital pharmacies in accesses, physician monitored prescriptions and treatment of complicated cases as well as coordinated intervention during institutional outbreaks.
Pharmacies ensure that dispensing is regulated, patients are educated, and that first- and second-line medications are available. Hospitals are often at the centers of treatment during regional outbreaks or among high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised patients, seniors and children. Inpatient and outpatient scabies treatment protocols often begin through hospital pharmacies reserving key medicines including permethrin, sulfur, and ivermectin.
Hospital pharmacies not only treat individual patients, but often provide community-wide intervention in partnership with public health agencies, particularly in regions burdened with scabies. They support rapid containment and reinfestation by storing medications in bulk and distributing them systematically across healthcare settings. Hospital pharmacies dominate in scabies treatment plan formulation, clinician access, and integrated care workflows, although retail and online pharmacies are growing in urban and private care markets.
Scabies Treatment Market: Rising awareness of parasitic skin diseases, increasing incidents of outbreaks in institutional settings (such as schools and nursing homes), and increased access to dermatological care are the factors contributing to growth of the scabies treatment market. Scabies is caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei and continues to be a public health problem in both developed and developing areas.
Treatment typically includes topical and oral scabicides, frequently supplemented with antihistamines for pruritus and antibiotics for superinfection. Market growth is driven by OTC products, generic drug manufacturing, and combination therapies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health agencies are also working to incorporate scabies into neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programs, providing a boost to drug distribution and innovation.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Scabies Treatment Drug Providers
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Galderma S.A. | 14-17% |
| Teva Pharmaceuticals | 11-14% |
| Mylan N.V. | 9-12% |
| Perrigo Company plc | 7-10% |
| Sun Pharmaceutical | 6-9% |
| Other Providers | 38-45% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Galderma S.A. | In 2024, expanded prescription emollient devices (PEDs) for post-scabies care; in 2025, launched improved permethrin formulations with dual antipruritic action. |
| Teva Pharmaceuticals | In 2024, expanded generic ivermectin distribution in European and African markets; in 2025, released fixed-dose oral kits for mass treatment campaigns. |
| Mylan N.V. | In 2024, supplied permethrin and benzyl benzoate creams to public health units; in 2025, introduced child-safe dosing packs for scabies in pediatric care. |
| Perrigo Company plc | In 2024, launched OTC permethrin-based treatments under private labels; in 2025, introduced combined lice and scabies treatment products for dual infestation. |
| Sun Pharmaceutical | In 2024, scaled manufacturing of benzyl benzoate in Asia-Pacific; in 2025, began trials of topical ivermectin-lidocaine combo for severe dermal symptoms. |
Key Market Insights
Galderma S.A. (14-17%)
Galderma leads in dermatological therapies and has expanded its role in parasitic skin disease treatment. In 2024, it introduced prescription emollients to manage skin healing after scabicide treatment. In 2025, it reformulated permethrin-based creams to include soothing agents for inflammation relief, enhancing patient compliance in long-term institutional outbreaks. Galderma’s dual focus on treatment and post-recovery care reinforces its dermatology expertise.
Teva Pharmaceuticals (11-14%)
Teva plays a pivotal role in expanding access to generic antiparasitic therapies. In 2024, it ramped up distribution of ivermectin tablets, particularly to high-burden regions in Africa and Eastern Europe. In 2025, Teva launched easy-to-use oral treatment kits suitable for outbreak settings and refugee healthcare programs. Its cost-effective generic portfolio supports global efforts for mass scabies treatment in alignment with WHO recommendations.
Mylan N.V. (9-12%)
Mylan supplies first-line topical scabicides to hospitals and clinics worldwide. In 2024, it scaled distribution of permethrin and benzyl benzoate creams under national healthcare programs. In 2025, the company introduced pediatric-specific dose formats, addressing rising cases among school-age children. Mylan’s global reach and formulation flexibility position it as a key supplier in government-led public health initiatives.
Perrigo Company plc (7-10%)
Perrigo supports retail and private-label treatment solutions for scabies. In 2024, it released over-the-counter permethrin creams for use in households and dormitories. In 2025, Perrigo combined lice and scabies treatments into dual-use formulations to serve low-resource households and boarding schools experiencing multiple infestations. Its strategy supports rapid containment in community outbreaks.
Sun Pharmaceutical (6-9%)
Sun Pharma focuses on cost-effective treatments and novel combination topicals. In 2024, it expanded benzyl benzoate production to serve Asian and African markets where cost remains a barrier. In 2025, it began clinical trials on a topical ivermectin-lidocaine combination, designed to treat inflammation and pruritus while eliminating mites. Sun’s generics pipeline aligns with both NTD campaigns and dermatology innovation.
Other Key Players (38-45% Combined)
Many regional and specialty pharmaceutical companies continue to innovate in formulation, distribution, and low-cost manufacturing. These include:
The overall market size for the scabies treatment market was approximately USD 217.5 million in 2025.
The scabies treatment market is expected to reach approximately USD 368.0 million by 2035.
The demand for scabies treatment is rising due to the increasing prevalence of scabies worldwide, heightened awareness about treatment options, and advancements in healthcare infrastructure. The adoption of topical agents and the expansion of hospital pharmacy distribution channels are also contributing to market growth.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the scabies treatment market are the United States, China, India, Germany, and Brazil.
Topical agents and hospital pharmacy distribution are expected to command significant shares over the assessment period.
Scabies Treatment Market
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