Damian Meyersburg

My drive to conduct research stems from a deep desire to solve real-world problems and contribute to improving patient care. Seeing the tangible impact of my work on clinical practice and patients' lives is incredibly fulfilling, and it motivates me to continue exploring new solutions.

Damian Meyersburg, MD, is a dermatologist and senior physician at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg, Austria.

Dr. Meyersburg has extensive experience as a sub- and principal investigator in clinical trials and own academic studies focusing on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and scabies, contributing to advances in dermatological therapy. Most recently, Dr. Meyersburg has been involved in comparative studies of scabies treatments that demonstrated the loss of efficacy of permethrin cream, which was the standard treatment for several years.

Advancing scabies treatment

Human scabies is a parasitic infection with an increasing incidence worldwide. Scabies has recently been designated as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization. 

The study highlights the urgent need to address the failure of scabies treatment due to increasing resistance to the standard therapy with 5% permethrin cream. By conducting comparative studies, the authors were able to demonstrate that alternative therapies, including 25% benzyl benzoate and oral ivermectin, have significantly higher efficacy and comparable tolerability. 

These results have a direct impact on clinical practice as they provide evidence-based alternatives to previously valid first-line therapies, ensuring better outcomes for patients while serving as a basis for updating therapeutic guidelines.

The work of Dr. Meyersburg and of his coworkers represents the first randomized controlled double-blinded study to compare topical benzyl benzoate 25% and permethrin 5%. Their findings of the superior efficacy of topical benzyl benzoate vs. topical permethrin could facilitate the revision of the current guidelines for the treatment and management of scabies and are therefore of great clinical importance.

Driven by Purpose: A Commitment to Dermatology and Patient Care

I draw energy from the curiosity to understand complex challenges, the collaboration with dedicated colleagues, and the continuous opportunity to learn. Witnessing advancements in treatments and the potential to positively influence health outcomes keeps me inspired and resilient in the face of challenges.

For Dr. Meyersburg, being a dermatologist means constantly drawing inspiration from the challenges within the field and the collaborative efforts of his colleagues. His passion for improving patient care is fueled by witnessing advancements in treatments and their impact on health outcomes.