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Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
Medknow Publications on behalf of The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL)
ISSN: 0378-6323 EISSN: 0378-6323
Vol. 77, No. 5, 2011, pp. 581-586
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Bioline Code: dv11169
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Vol. 77, No. 5, 2011, pp. 581-586
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Topical permethrin and oral ivermectin in the management of scabies: A prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled study
Sharma, Reena & Singal, Archana
Abstract
Background: Scabies is a highly contagious and intensely pruritic parasitic infestation. It is
a re-emerging infection in the new millennium especially with HIV pandemic and a significant
health problem in developing countries. Various treatment modalities have been used since
time immemorial but the search for an ideal scabicide is ongoing. Aims: In this study, we
compared the therapeutic efficacy of single application of topical 5% permethrin with oral
ivermectin (200 μg/kg/dose) in a single-dose and a two-dose regimen in patients with scabies.
Methods: 120 clinically diagnosed cases of scabies (>5 years of age and/or >15 kg) were
randomized into three treatment groups A, B, C of 40 patients each; receiving either topical
5% permethrin (group A) or oral ivermectin (200 μg/kg/dose) in a single dose (group B) or
double dose regimen (group C) repeated at 2 weeks interval. Patients were followed up at
1, 2, and 4 weeks interval. At each visit, cure rate (>50% improvement in lesion count and
pruritus and negative microscopy) was assessed and compared. Results: Cure rate in three
treatment groups at the end of 4 weeks was 94.7% (A), 90% (B), 89.7%(C), and thus all
three treatment modalities were equally efficacious. However, at 1 week follow up, group A
patients reported better improvement in both lesion count and pruritus. Conclusions: Both
permethrin and ivermectin in both single and two dose regimen are equally efficacious and
well tolerated in scabies. However, permethrin has a rapid onset of action.
Keywords
Ivermectin, permethrin, scabies
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