Sulfur for scabies outbreaks in orphanages.
Scabies outbreaks occurred in two large orphanages in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Since we were concerned about the availability, safety, and cost of scabicides in Thailand, sulfur in petrolatum was our choice for mass treatment of the children. We studied the efficacy of sulfur in children 2 months to 6 years of age. After the treatment, 47% and 71% of the 102 patients were cured in 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Only three preschool children developed a mild facial irritation after the first application. This agent is a safe and cheap choice for mass therapy.
Pruksachatkunakorn
Chulabhorn
C
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailad. cpruksac@mail.med.cmu.ac.th
Damrongsak
Maliwan
M
Sinthupuan
Sombat
S
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019372:Orphanages; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013455:Sulfur / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013455:Sulfur