Comparison of efficacy of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin 5% in the treatment of scabies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v33i1.2049Keywords:
Scabies, oral ivermectin, permethrin, efficacy, safety, side effectsAbstract
Background Scabies is a common infection caused by 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 but itching may persist for several weeks.
Objective To compare the efficacy of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin 5% in treatment of scabies.
Methods 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 categorized in 2 groups. In group-A, cases were treated with Tab ivermectin orally in dose of 200 mcg/kg at day 0 and in group-B, all cases were treated with topical permethrin 5% at day 0. Clinical grading and itch grading scores were tools for comparison .The cured patients were provided antihistamines for further 1 week if itching is moderate to severe. Efficacy was determined after one week of treatment.
Results Mean age in patients who received permethrin 5% was 41.67±10.35 years and those received ivermectin mean age was 39.67±12.38 years. In permethrin 5% group, 22 (73.3%) cases showed efficacy and ivermectin 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.
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