Comparing the quality of life by using two therapeutic approaches [10% sulphur ointment and 5% permethrin cream] in scabies patients

ABSTRACT

To compare the quality of life by using two therapeutic approaches [10% sulphur ointment and 5%permethrin cream] in patients with scabies. Retrospective / comparative study. This study was conducted in Basic Medical Science Institute and Dermatology Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi from 1[st] Dec 2010 to 30[th] May 2011. This study sample consisted of 130 [4 dropped out] clinically diagnosed cases of scabies divided into two groups; A and B. Each group was further subdivided into three age groups. Group A was asked to apply 5% permethrin cream on day 0 and to be repeated after 15 days and GroupB treated with 10% sulphur ointment for three consecutive nights and repeated on day15. Data was gathered by a questionnaire. Patients follow up was done on days 3, 15 and 30 and quality of life was determined on day 0 and 30 by using Dermatological Life Quality Index. Quality of life was found to be low in scabies patients and treatment with 10% Sulphur ointment and 5% permethrin not only improved clinical symptoms but also their quality of life significantly. Scabies affects quality of life because of severe itching and lack of sleep and proper topical therapy significantly improves clinical symptoms and quality of life