Topical Phenothrin Treatment in 53 Cases of Scabies

Abstract

We studied 53 patients (aged 2 months to 96 years) with scabies treated with 5% phenothrin lotion (SUMITHRIN^® Lotion 5%). The patients included 8 infants, 2 children, one pregnant woman, one lactating woman, and 5 with crusted scabies. Of the 53 patients, 33 were treated with phenothrin lotion alone and the remaining 20 with a combination of phenothrin and other scabicides. Fifteen of the 33 (45.5%) treated with phenothrin lotion alone were cured with two applications. Patients with crusted scabies, children, elderly patients, and cases previously treated with topical corticosteroids due to misdiagnosis were treated with 3 to 6 applications of phenothrin. None of the 53 patients showed adverse reactions to the lotion. We concluded that 5% phenothrin lotion is safe and effective in the treatment of scabies, not only in adults, but also in infants and pregnant and lactating women.