Treatment of Scabies: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Five topical treatments for scabies compared for efficacy in 85 infants with scabetic infestation. Preliminary results during the six-month study period showed lindane to be the most effective, with furacin the least effective.

Treatment of scabies infestations

“…More recent studies showed however that the cure rate was around 85 % (Schultz et al, 1990;Amer et al, 1981). Eleven instances of aplastic anaemia and two of leukaemia caused by contact with lindane was reported (Hans, 1976).…”

Scabies in Thai orphanages

“…Instead, sulfur has become the standard treatment for infant and childhood scabies. Taking into consideration the cost, efficacy and safety of various treatments, sulfur is the medication of choice for young children in Thailand 13−15 . We performed the mass treatment of scabies in the two orphanages in November 2000 8 .…”

“…Taking into consideration the cost, efficacy and safety of various treatments, sulfur is the medication of choice for young children in Thailand. [13][14][15] We performed the mass treatment of scabies in the two orphanages in November 2000. 8 Along with the medication, we also instituted a program which included the education of staff in control measures for scabies.…”

Sulfur for Scabies Outbreaks in Orphanages

“…There have been few publications in English regarding the efficacy of topical sulfur. Amer et al (23) showed that the efficacy of 5% sulfur ointment was 82%. Our study revealed the overall cure rate of sulfur in treating childhood scabies was 71% at 4 weeks.…”