Comparison of efficacy of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin 5% in the treatment of scabies

Authors

  • Maimona Ilyas Department of Dermatology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
  • Atif Shahzad Department of Dermatology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore
  • Saadiya Siddiqui Department of Dermatology, Services Hospital, Lahore
  • Mohsina Awais Department of Dermatology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
  • Maryam Qayyum Department of Dermatology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
  • Nadia Ali Azafar Department of Dermatology, Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.33.1.2023.2049

Keywords:

Scabies, oral ivermectin, permethrin, efficacy, safety, side effects

Abstract

Background Scabies an ectoparasitic infection caused in humans by the sarcoptes scabiei var.hominis.Ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent effective against a variety of ectoparasites and endoparasites . Permethrin an insecticide, applied topically kills the mite and its eggs, although patients may still experience some itching for several weeks. Objective: To compare the efficacy of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin 5% in treatment of scabies. Methadology : It was a randomized controlled trial conducted at Dermatology Department; Sir Gangaram Hospital Lahore / Fatima Jinnah Medical University Lahore. Sixty enrolled patients  after informed consent were divided in 2 groups i.e. group-A and group-B. In group-A ,cases were treated with Tab ivermectin orally in dose of 200mcg/kg at day 0 and in group-B all cases were treated with topical permethrin 5% at day 0.The lesions were examined and compared with baseline clinical grading and itch grading scores .The cured patients were provided antihistamines for further 1 week if itching is  moderate to severe.Efficacy  was determined after one week of tretment. Results: Mean age in patients who recieved Permethrin 5 % was 41.67 ± 10.35 years and those received Ivermectine mean age was 39.67 ± 12.38 years. In Permethrin 5% group, 22(73.3%) cases showed efficacy and Ivermectine group  8(26.7%) cases showed efficacy (p-value < 0.05). Permethrin (5%) remained more efficacious. Conclusion:   Scabies can be treated with permethrin 5% to achieve higher cure, by doing so we can improve patient’s quality of life. Keywords: Scabies, oral ivermectin, permethrin, efficacy, safety, side effects     

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Published

2023-03-05

How to Cite

1.
Maimona Ilyas, Atif Shahzad, Saadiya Siddiqui, Mohsina Awais, Maryam Qayyum, Ali Azafar N. Comparison of efficacy of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin 5% in the treatment of scabies. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2023Mar.5 [cited 2026Apr.12];33(1):132-6. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/2049

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2023): January-March

Section

Original Articles

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