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1: Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Oct 15;35(Suppl 2):S146-51.Click here to read Links

Scabies and pediculosis pubis: an update of treatment regimens and general review.

Wendel K, Rompalo A.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Karen-Wendel@ouhsc.edu

The ectoparasites scabies and pediculosis pubis are common causes of skin rash and pruritus worldwide. They are transmitted primarily by person-to-person spread and are generally associated with low morbidity. The preferred treatment for scabies has generally been topical agents such as lindane and permethrin. Recently, ivermectin has demonstrated good efficacy in the treatment of scabies, and it may be of particular use in institutional outbreaks and in communities in which scabies is endemic. Combination treatment with topical agents and oral ivermectin may be necessary for crusted scabies. Treatment of pediculosis pubis is best accomplished with topical permethrin, lindane, or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. Although resistance to these topical agents has been reported in head lice, decreased efficacy in the treatment of pediculosis pubis has not been reported.

PMID: 12353201 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Lindane

    Lindane is used to cure infestations of scabies (small bugs that crawl under the skin and cause severe itching) and lice (small bugs that attach themselves to the skin on the head or pubic area ['crabs'] and lay eggs cal...

  • Ivermectin (Stromectol® )

    Ivermectin is used to treat strongyloidiasis (threadworm; infection with a type of roundworm that enters the body through the skin, moves through the airways and lives in the intestines). Ivermectin is also used to contr...

  • Permethrin (Elimite® , Nix® Creme Rinse)

    Permethrin kills parasites and their eggs. It is used to treat scabies (a skin infestation) and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area ('crabs'). Permethrin does not prevent these infestations.

  • » See all 4 drug reports ...
  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information