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.