Topical permethrin and oral ivermectin in the management of scabies: A prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled study

Background: Scabies is a highly contagious and intensely pruritic parasitic infestation. It is a re-emerging infection in the new millennium especially with HIV pandemic and a significant health problem in developing countries. Various treatment modalities have been used since time immemorial but the search for an ideal scabicide is ongoing. Aims: In this study, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of single application of topical 5% permethrin with oral ivermectin (200 mu g/kg/dose) in a single-dose and a two-dose regimen in patients with scabies. Methods: 120 clinically diagnosed cases of scabies (>5 years of age and/or >15 kg) were randomized into three treatment groups A, B, C of 40 patients each; receiving either topical 5% permethrin (group A) or oral ivermectin (200 mu g/kg/dose) in a single dose (group B) or double dose regimen (group C) repeated at 2 weeks interval. Patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 4 weeks interval. At each visit, cure rate (>50% improvement in lesion count and pruritus and negative microscopy) was assessed and compared. Results: Cure rate in three treatment groups at the end of 4 weeks was 94.7% (A), 90% (B), 89.7%(C), and thus all three treatment modalities were equally efficacious. However, at 1 week follow up, group A patients reported better improvement in both lesion count and pruritus. Conclusions: Both permethrin and ivermectin in both single and two dose regimen are equally efficacious and well tolerated in scabies. However, permethrin has a rapid onset of action.