Comparison between effectiveness of topical 1% lindane cream and oral ivermectin in the management of scabies

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of lindane 1% cream with oral ivermectin in the management of scabies. Interventional quasi-experimental study. This study was conducted in Dermatology Department of Nishter Hospital Multan, from 1[st] November 2005 to 31[st] April 2006. One hundred Patients; diagndsed for scabies by history [nocturnal itch], dermatological examination [papules, vesicles, burrows] and parasitological examination under microscope, selected by convenient sampling, were randomly assigned into two groups. Group-A was given 1% lindane cream and to Group B was given ivermectin. Both groups were treated with 2 doses after interval of 1 week, 11 out of these were dropped later on, so 89 patients, 45 in ivermectin group and 44 in lindane group were accessed for final results. Cure criteria for comparison of two treatments was absence of nocturnal itch, papules, vesicles, burrows and mite/ova under M/S. At day 8, 69% in group-B were completely cured as compared to 57% in group-A. P value was 0.00. At day 15, in group-B 91% were completely cured as compared to 86% in group-A. [P = 0.00]. At day 30, 100% in group-B were cured as compared to 89% in group-A. P=. 0.00. Oral ivermectin was significantly more effective than lindane 1% cream in treatment of scabies