Comparison between 25% benzyl benzoate, 5% permethrin and 10% crotamiton in the treatment of scabies in Gaza

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of three different modalities treatments for scabies. This prospective study was carried out at Dermatology clinic at Jordanian Military Field Hospital, Gaza, Palestine from August 2012 to October 2012. A total number of 120 patients were included in the study. Scabies was diagnosed by clinical examination with three of the following criteria burrows identification, presence of excoriated papules at the classical sites and nocturnal itching and was confirmed by direct light microscopic examination. Patients were divided into three groups 40 patients in each. The first group received 5% Permethrin cream, the second group received 25% benzyl benzoate and the third group received 10% crotamiton lotion. To assess cure rate we followed all patients up to one and two weeks after completing their treatment. Absence of itching along with no new lesions appearing and disappearing of the old lesions was considered a cure. The group who received 5% permethrin cream showed the highest cure rate, while those who received 10% crotamiton lotion showed the lowest cure rate. Permethrin cream rinse was the best treatment for scabies