Comparative study to test efficacy of topical permethrin and oral ivermectin in the management of scabies- a prospective randomized, single blinded controlled study.

ABSTRACT

Background: Scabies is a contagious intensely pruritic ectoparasitic infestation caused by mite Sarcoptes scabiei hominis. Various treatment modalities are available but topical permethrin and oral ivermectin is considered to be safe and effective in the treatment of scabies. Aim: To compare the efficacy of topical permethrin and oral ivermectin in the treatment of scabies. Material And Methods: It was an interventional study conducted in the out patient department Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital.100 clinically diagnosed cases of scabies belonging to either sex and from 10-60 yrs of age were selected and divided into two groups. Oral ivermectin was given to group A and topical 5% permethrin was given to the group B and follow up at 1, 2 and 4 weeks of interval. at each visit and cure rate was compared. Results: Permethrin showed the efficacy of 89.1% in completely clearing scabietic lesions at 4 week interval as compared to oral ivermectin which showed 78.5% clearing of lesions in 4 weeks. Thus both the treatment modalities were almost equally effective. Conclusion: Oral ivermectin and topical permethrin both are almost equally effective but permethrine has rapid onset of action.