A research on Oral Ivermectin in Scabies Management and checking the Therapeutic Outcomes of Permethrin 5% Cream
- Dr annum Fareed, Ajk mc Muzaffarbad
- Dr Tayyaba Mustafa, Poonch medical college rawalakot
- Fatima Ahmed Mir, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
- Dr Muhammad Zain Ul Abdeen, Mohtarma benazir bhutto shaheed medical college mirpur AJK
- Dr Muhammad Azeem Yousaf, Mohtarma benazir bhutto shaheed medical college mirpur AJK,
- Dr Abdul basit Sultani, Mohtarma benazir bhutto shaheed medical college mirpur AJK
Abstract
Background: Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, prevalent in overcrowded, low-resource settings, and a significant public health challenge.
Objectives:
This study compared the efficacy of permethrin 5% cream and oral ivermectin in treating scabies, focusing on eradication, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi, from January to June 2024. Ninety patients with scabies were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (permethrin 5%, n=45) and Group B (oral ivermectin, n=45). Group A applied permethrin from neck to toes for 8-12 hours, with a second application after seven days. Group B received a single oral dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg). The primary outcome was scabies eradication, defined by the absence of burrows, lesions, and pruritus at two weeks. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects and patient satisfaction, with statistical significance assessed using the chi-square test (p<0.05).
Results:
Of the 90 participants, 88 completed the study (44 per group). Scabies eradication was higher in the permethrin group (95.5%) compared to ivermectin (75.0%) (p=0.007). Mild itching and redness were reported by 18.2% in the permethrin group, while gastrointestinal symptoms were noted in 22.7% of the ivermectin group. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with permethrin (90.9%) than ivermectin (68.2%).
Conclusion:
Permethrin 5% was more effective than ivermectin in scabies eradication, with fewer side effects and higher patient satisfaction, supporting its use as first-line treatment.
Keywords:
Scabies, Sarcoptic scabiei, permethrin 5% cream, ivermectin, treatment efficacy, patient satisfaction, adverse effects.