Comparison of the efficacy of topical 1% lindane vs 5% permethrin in scabies: a randomized, double-blind study.
BACKGROUND
Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, is not yet available in Iran and may be a useful substitute for the control of scabies in Iran.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of topical lindane with topical permethrin in the treatment of scabies in a population in Iran.


METHODS
In a double-blind, randomized study, all consecutive patients with scabies were randomized into two groups. One group and their family contacts received 1% lindane cream, and the other group and their family contacts were treated with topical 5% permethrin cream. Subsequently, patients were followed up at 2- and 4-week post-treatment.


RESULTS
Of the 99 patients enrolled in the study, 47 patients received 1% lindane cream, and 52 patients were treated topically with 5% permethrin cream. Permethrin provided an improvement rate of 84.6% after two weeks, whereas lindane was effective only in 48.9% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Permethrin (5%) cream was found to be significantly more effective in the treatment of scabies in comparison with lindane in this study, and it seems that it could be an alternative treatment.
Department of Dermatology, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. ozargari@iranderma.com
Omid
O
Zargari
Javad
J
Golchai
Abdolrasoul
A
Sobhani
Ahmad R
AR
Dehpour
Shahriar
S
Sadr-Ashkevari
Narges
N
Alizadeh
Abas
A
Darjani
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026023:Permethrin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007306:Insecticides; D026023:Permethrin; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane