Intervention Review

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Interventions for treating scabies

  1. Mark Strong1,*,
  2. Paul Johnstone2

Editorial Group: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group

Published Online: 21 JAN 2009

Assessed as up-to-date: 10 AUG 2010

DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000320.pub2

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How to Cite

Strong M, Johnstone P. Interventions for treating scabies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD000320. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000320.pub2.

Author Information

  1. 1

    University of Sheffield, School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield, UK

  2. 2

    Blenheim House, NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, Leeds, UK

*Mark Strong, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK. m.strong@sheffield.ac.uk.

Publication History

  1. Publication Status: New search for studies and content updated (no change to conclusions)
  2. Published Online: 21 JAN 2009

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References

References to studies included in this review

  1. References to studies included in this review
  2. References to studies excluded from this review
  3. References to ongoing studies
  4. Additional references
  5. References to other published versions of this review
Amer 1992 {published data only}
  • Amer M, el-Gharib I. Permethrin versus crotamiton and lindane in the treatment of scabies. International Journal of Dermatology 1992;31(5):357-8.
    Direct Link:
Amerio 2003 {published data only}
  • Amerio P, Capizzi R, Milani M. Efficacy and tolerability of natural synergised pyrethrins in a new thermo labile foam formulation in topical treatment of scabies: a prospective, randomised, investigator-blinded, comparative trial vs. permethrin cream. European Journal of Dermatology 2003;13(1):69-71.
Avila-Romay 1991 {published data only}
  • Avila-Romay A, Alvarez-Franco M, Ruiz-Maldonado R. Therapeutic efficacy, secondary effects, and patient acceptability of 10% sulfur in either pork fat or cold cream for the treatment of scabies. Pediatric Dermatology 1991;8(1):64-6.
    Direct Link:
Bachewar 2009 {published data only}
  • Bachewar N, Thawani V, Mali S, Gharpure K, Shingade V, Dakhale G. Comparison of safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of benzyl benzoate, permethrin, and ivermectin in patients of scabies. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2009; Vol. 41, issue 1:9-14.
Biele 2006 {published data only}
  • Biele M, Campori G, Colombo R, De Giorgio G, Frascione P, Sali R, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a new synergized pyrethrins thermofobic foam in comparison with benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies in convicts: the ISAC study (Studio Della scabbia in ambiente carcerario). Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2006;20(6):717-20.
    Direct Link:
Brooks 2002 {published data only}
  • Brooks PA, Grace RF. Ivermectin is better than benzyl benzoate for childhood scabies in developing countries. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 2002;38(4):401-4.
    Direct Link:
Chouela 1999 {published data only}
  • Chouela EN, Abeldano AM, Pellerano G, La Forgia M, Papale RM, Garsd A, et al. Equivalent therapeutic efficacy and safety of ivermectin and lindane in the treatment of human scabies. Archives of Dermatology 1999;135(6):651-5.
Glaziou 1993 {published data only}
  • Glaziou P, Cartel JL, Alzieu P, Briot C, Moulia-Pelat JP, Martin PM. Comparison of ivermectin and benzyl benzoate for treatment of scabies. Tropical Medicine and Parasitology 1993;44(4):331-2.
Gulati 1978 {published data only}
  • Gulati PV, Singh KP. A family based study on the treatment of scabies with benzyl benzoate and sulphur ointment. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 1978;44(5):269-73.
Hansen 1986 {published data only}
  • Hansen RC, Remmers E, Menter MA. A controlled comparative trial of permethrin 5 per cent cream and 1 per cent lindane lotion for the treatment of scabies. Clinical Research 1986;34:160.
Ly 2009 {published data only}
  • Ly F, Caumes E, Ndaw CAT, Ndiaye B, Mahé A. Ivermectin versus benzyl benzoate applied once or twice to treat human scabies in Dakar, Senegal: a randomized controlled trial. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2009;87:424-30.
Macotela-Ruiz 1993 {published data only}
  • Macotela-Ruiz E, Pena-Gonzalez G. The treatment of scabies with oral ivermectin [Tratamiento de la escabiasis con ivermectina por via oral]. Gaceta Medica Mexico 1993;129(3):201-5.
Madan 2001 {published data only}
  • Madan V, Jaskiran K, Gupta U, Gupta DK. Oral ivermectin in scabies patients: a comparison with 1% topical lindane lotion. The Journal of Dermatology 2001;28(9):481-4.
Maggi 1986 {published data only}
  • Maggi A, Subercaseaux B. Scabies treatment with lindane [Tratamiento de la sarna con lindano. Comparacion de esquemas terapeuticos]. Revista Medica de Valparaiso 1986;39(1):11-14.
Nnoruka 2001 {published data only}
Schenone 1986 {published data only}
  • Schenone H, Prieto R, Lobos M, Fabres P, Beresi R. Treatment of scabies with a dermatological lotion of decamethrin at 0.02%. Study in 127 patients by the use of 2 therapeutic regimens [Tratamiento de la sarna con loción dermatológica de decametrina al 0,02% estudio en 127 pacientes mediante la utilización de dos esquemas terapéuticos]. Boletin Chileno de Parasitologia 1986;41(1-2):3-7.
Schultz 1990 {published data only}
  • Schultz MW, Gomez M, Hansen RC, Mills J, Menter A, Rodgers H, et al. Comparative study of 5% permethrin cream and 1% lindane lotion for the treatment of scabies. Archives of Dermatology 1990;126(2):167-70.
Singalavanija 2003 {published data only}
  • Singalavanija S, Limpongsanurak W, Soponsakunkul S. A comparative study between 10 per cent sulfur ointment and 0.3 per cent gamma benzene hexachloride gel in the treatment of scabies in children. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 2003;86 Suppl 3:531-6.
Taplin 1986 {published data only}
Taplin 1990 {published data only}
  • Taplin D, Meinking TL, Chen JA, Sanchez R. Comparison of crotamiton 10% cream (Eurax) and permethrin 5% cream (Elimite) for the treatment of scabies in children. Pediatric Dermatology 1990;7(1):67-73.
    Direct Link:
Usha 2000 {published and unpublished data}
  • Usha V, Gopalakrishnan Nair TV. A comparative study of oral ivermectin and topical permethrin cream in the treatment of scabies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2000;42(2 Pt 1):236-40.
Zargari 2006 {published data only}
  • Zargari O, Golchai J, Sobhani A, Dehpour AR, Sadr-Ashkevari S, Alizadeh N, et al. Comparison of the efficacy of topical 1% lindane vs 5% permethrin in scabies: a randomized, double-blind study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2006;72(1):33-6.

References to studies excluded from this review

  1. References to studies included in this review
  2. References to studies excluded from this review
  3. References to ongoing studies
  4. Additional references
  5. References to other published versions of this review
Abedin 2007 {published data only}
Alebiosu 2003 {published data only}
  • Alebiosu CO, Ogunledun A, Ogunleye DS. A report of clinical trial conducted on Toto ointment and soap products. Journal of the National Medical Association 2003;95(1):95-105.
Amer 1981 {published data only}
  • Amer M, El-Bayoumi M, Rizk MK. Treatment of scabies: preliminary report. International Journal of Dermatology 1981;20(4):289-90.
    Direct Link:
Bockarie 2000 {published data only}
  • Bockarie MJ, Alexander ND, Kazura JW, Bockarie F, Griffin L, Alpers MP. Treatment with ivermectin reduces the high prevalence of scabies in a village in Papua New Guinea. Acta Tropica 2000;75(1):127-30.
Burgess 1986 {published data only}
Cannon 1948 {published data only}
  • Cannon AB, McRae ME. Treatment of scabies. Report of one hundred patients treated with hexachlorocyclohexane in a vanishing cream base. Journal of the American Medical Association 1948;138:557-560.
Chowdhury 1977 {published data only}
  • Chowdhury SP Roy. Nitofurazone in scabies. Lancet 1977;309(8003):152.
Cubela 1978 {published data only}
  • Cubela V, Yawalakar SJ. Clinical experience with Crotamiton cream and lotion in treatment of infants with scabies. British Journal of Clinical Practice 1978;32(8):229-31.
Curiati 1984 {published data only}
  • Curiati WJC. Double-blind study with decamethrin in scabies and head louse [Estudo duplo-cego com decametrina em escabiose e pediculose]. Revista Brasileira de Medicina 1984;41(2):81-3.
Damodaran 1979 {published data only}
Daneshpajooh 2000 {published data only}
  • Daneshpajooh M, Jafari F, Sadri MF, Valikhani M. Comparison of oral ivermectin and topical gamma benzene hexachloride 1% in the treatment of scabies. Iranian Journal of Dermatology 2000;3(10):3.
Dika 2006 {published data only}
Dourmishev 1998 {published data only}
  • Dourmishev A, Serafimova D, Dourmishev L. Efficacy and tolerance of oral ivermectin in scabies. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 1998;11(3):247-51.
    Direct Link:
Dunne 1991 {published data only}
Gallegos 1996 {published data only}
  • Gallegos Polanco ERU. Tratamiento de escabiosis en el Hospital Militar de Arequipa, estudio comparativo de benzoato de bencilo, hexacloruro de benceno gama y permetrina en 130 pacientes [thesis]. Arequipa: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, 1996.
Gordon 1944 {published data only}
  • Gordon FM, Davey TH, Unsworth K, Hellier FF, Parry SC, Alexander JRH. Control of scabies by use of soap impregnated with tetra-ethylthiuram monosulphide ("tetmosol"). British Medical Journal 1944;2:803-6.
Grabner 1970 {published data only}
  • Grabner K. Clinical and experimental studies with the antihistaminic Tavegyl in dermatologic patients [Klinische und experimentelle studien mit dem antihistaminikum Tavegyl an dermatologischem krankengut]. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 1970;82(36):625-7.
Hamm 2006 {published data only}
  • Hamm H, Beiteke U, Hoger PH, Seitz CS, Thaci D, Sunderkotter C. Treatment of scabies with 5% permethrin cream: results of a German multicenter study. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2006;4(5):407-13.
    Direct Link:
Hanna 1978 {published data only}
Haustein 1989 {published data only}
Henderson 1991 {published data only}
Henderson 1992 {published data only}
Kar 1994 {published data only}
  • Kar SK, Mania J, Patnaik S. The use of ivermectin for scabies. National Medical Journal of India 1994;7:15-6.
Kaur 1980 {published data only}
  • Kaur GA, Nadeswary K. Field trials on the management of scabies in Jengka Triangle, Pahang. Medical Journal of Malaysia 1980;35:14-21.
Kenawi 1993 {published data only}
  • Kenawi MZ, Morsy TA, Abdalla KF, el Hady H. Treatment of human scabies by sulfur and permethrin. Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 1993;23(3):691-6.
Khan 2007 {published data only}
  • Khan I, Yasmin R. Ivermectin in the treatment of scabies. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists 2007;17:78-83.
Konstantinov 1979 {published data only}
  • Konstantinov D, Stanoeva L. Crotamiton cream and lotion in the treatment of infants and young children with scabies. Journal of International Medical Research 1979;7(5):443-8.
Landegren 1979 {published data only}
  • Landegren J, Borglund E, Storgards K. Treatment of scabies with disulfiram and benzyl benzoate emulsion: a controlled study. Acta Dermato-venereologica 1979;59(3):274-6.
López 2003 {published data only}
  • López E, Alvarez M, Agorio C, Avendaño M, Bonasse J, Chavarría A, et al. Comparative treatment between oral ivermectina and topic permetrina in scabiosis [Tratamiento comparativo entre ivermectina vía oral y permetrina tópica en la escabiosis]. Revista Chilena de Dermatología 2003;19(1):27-32.
Macotela-Ruiz 1996 {published data only}
  • Macotela-Ruiz E, Islas CCM, Ramos QFBEN. Treatment of scabies with oral Ivermectin in an enclosed rural community [Tratamiento de escabiasis con Ivermectina por via oral en una comunidad rural cerrada. Implicaciones epidemiologicas]. Dermatologica Revista Mexicana 1996;40(3):179-84.
Mapar 2008 {published data only}
  • Mapar MA, Mali B. The comparison of oral ivermectin and topical lindane in the treatment of scabies. Iranian Journal of Dermatology 2008;11(4):147-150.
Meinking 1995b {published data only}
Mellanby 1945 {published data only}
Mozgunov 1978 {published data only}
  • Mozgunov VN, Klimenko AV. Effectiveness of preparations used in treating scabies. Voenno-meditsinskii Zhurnal 1978, (12):74.
Nag 1995 {published data only}
  • Nag SC, Barbhuiya JN, Datta PK, Banerjee PP. A comparative study of efficacy gama benzene hexachloride lotion and benzyl benzoate emulsion. Indian Journal of Dermatology 1995;40(2):86-7.
Neto 1984 {published data only}
  • Neto VS. Comparative study of monosulfiram and benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies [Estudo comparativo entre o monossulfiram e o benzoato de benzila no tratamentoda escabiose]. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 1984;59:213-4.
Oberoi 2007 {published data only}
  • Oberoi S, Ahmed RS, Suke SG, Bhattacharya SN, Chakraborti A, Banerjee BD. Comparative effect of topical application of lindane and permethrin on oxidative stress parameters in adult scabies patients. Clinical biochemistry 2007;40(16-17):1321-4.
Oladimeji 2000 {published data only}
  • Oladimeji FA, Orafidiya OO, Ogunniyi TA, Adewunmi TA. Pediculocidal and scabicidal properties of Lippia multiflora essential oil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2000;72(1-2):305-11. [MEDLINE: 60; : CN-00330021]
Oladimeji 2005 {published data only}
  • Oladimeji FA, Orafidiya LO, Ogunniyi TAB, Adewunmi TA, Onayemi O. A comparative study of the scabicidal activities of formulations of essential oil of Lippia multiflora Moldenke and benzyl benzoate emulsion BP. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2005;15(2):87-93.
Oyelami 2009 {published data only}
  • Oyelami OA, Onayemi A, Oyedeji OA, Adeyemi LA. Preliminary study of effectiveness of aloe vera in scabies treatment. Phytotherapy Research 2009;23(10):1482-4.
    Direct Link:
Paasch 2000 {published data only}
Paschoal 1985 {published data only}
  • Paschoal LHC, Solowiejczyk D. Parallel double-blind controlled clinical trial with dissulfiram suspension versus placebo in scabiotic patients: evaluation of side-effects after alcohol ingestion [Estudo clínico controlado duplo-cego paralelo com dissulfiram suspensäo versus placebo em pacientes escabióticos: avaliaçäo de efeitos colaterais após ingestäo de álcool ]. Revista Brasileira de Medicina 1985;42(7):65-8.
Pierce 1951 {published data only}
  • Pierce HE Jr. Scabies: epidemiology and management at a correctional institution. Journal of the National Medical Association 1951;43(2):107-12.
Regis 2003 {published data only}
  • Regis Roggero A, Pancorbo Mendoza J, Lanchipa Yokota P, Regis Roggero RM, Aguero M. Tratamiento y reinfestación por escabiosis humana: estudio comparativo entre permetrina al 5 por ciento vs benzoato de bencilo al 25 por ciento [Treatment and reinfestation by human scabiosis: comparative study between 5 percentage permethrin and 25 percentage benzyl benzoate]. Dermatología Peruana 2003;13(1):30-3.
Reid 1990 {published data only}
Sehgal 1972 {published data only}
  • Sehgal VN, Rao TL, Rege VL, Vadiraj SN. Scabies: a study of incidence and a treatment method. International Journal of Dermatology 1972;11(2):106-11.
    Direct Link:
Srinivas 1996 {published data only}
  • Srinivas CR, Pai S, Jana S. Treatment of scabies with 1 percent gamma benzene hexachloride : efficacy of drug delivery by bath, spray and paint brush. Indian Journal of Dermatology 1996;41(2):51-2.
Srivastava 1980 {published data only}
  • Srivastava BC, Chandra R, Srivastava VK, Saxena SC, Nandan D, Gupta RP, et al. Epidemiological studies of scabies and community control. Journal of Communicable Diseases 1980;12(3):134-8.
Sule 2007 {published data only}
  • Sule HM, Thacher TD. Comparison of ivermectin and benzyl benzoate lotion for scabies in Nigerian patients. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2007;76(2):392-5.
Suvanprakorn 1987 {published data only}
  • Suvanprakorn P, Sukriket P, Bisalbutra P. Treatment of scabies with 1 per cent gamma benzene hexachloride. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 1987;70(5):252-5.
Taplin 1983a {published data only}
  • Taplin D, Riviera A, Walker JG, Roth WI, Reno D, Meinking T. A comparative trial of three treatment schedules for the eradication of scabies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1983;9(4):550-4.
Taplin 1983b {published data only}
Taplin 1991 {published data only}
Tausch 1999 {published data only}
  • Tausch I. Crotamiton - An effective and safe drug for the treatment of scabies results of a controlled clinical trial. Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten 1999;74:162-6.
Thianprasit 1984 {published data only}
  • Thianprasit M, Schuetzenberger R. Prioderm lotion in the treatment of scabies. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Public Health 1984;15(1):119-20.
Woolridge 1948 {published data only}
  • Woolridge WE. The gamma isomer of hexachlorcyclohexane in the treatment of scabies. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 1948;10:363-6.
Yonkonsky 1990 {published data only}
  • Yonkonsky D, Ladia L, Gackenheimer L, Schultz MW. Scabies in nursing homes: an eradication program with permethrin 5% cream. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1990;23(6 Pt 1):1133-6.

References to ongoing studies

  1. References to studies included in this review
  2. References to studies excluded from this review
  3. References to ongoing studies
  4. Additional references
  5. References to other published versions of this review
Naeyaert ongoing {unpublished data only}
  • Naeyaert J-M. A randomised, double lind, double dummy study to compare the efficacy and safety of a single administration of ivermectin to a single administration of permethrin for the treatment of scabies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00262418.

Additional references

  1. References to studies included in this review
  2. References to studies excluded from this review
  3. References to ongoing studies
  4. Additional references
  5. References to other published versions of this review
Alexander 1984
  • Alexander, JO. Scabies. Arthropods and human skin. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1984:227-9.
Arlian 1989
Barkwell 1997
BNF 1997
  • British National Formulary. Vol. 33, London: British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 1997.
BNF 2010
  • British National Formulary. Vol. 59, London: British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2010.
Bredal 1997
Buffet 2003
Chosidow 2000
Coleman 2005
Cox 2000
Coyne 1997
DeSole 1989
  • De Sole G, Remme J, Awadzi K, Accorsi S, Alley ES, Ba O, et al. Adverse reactions after large-scale treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin: combined results from eight community trials. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 1989;67(6):707-19.
Diazgranados 1997
Downs 1999
Elgart 1996
Fain 1978
  • Fain A. Epidemiological problems of scabies. International Journal of Dermatology 1978;17(1):20-30.
    Direct Link:
Green 1989
Hay 2004
Higgins 2005
  • Higgins JPT, Green S. Intention to treat issues. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 4.2.5 [updated May 2005]; Section 8.4. www.cochrane.org/resources/handbook/hbook.htm (accessed 1 September 2006).
Higgins 2006
  • Higgins JPT, Green S, editors. Highly sensitive search strategies for identifying reports of randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 4.2.6 [updated September 2006]; Appendix 5b. www.cochrane.org/resources/handbook/hbook.htm (accessed 1 February 2007).
Juni 2001
Meinking 1995a
  • Meinking TL, Taplin D. Infestations. In: Schachner LA, Hansen RC editor(s). Pediatric Dermatology. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1995:1347-92.
MHRA 2006
  • MHRA 2006. Drug Analysis Prints. Data on suspected adverse drug reactions. www.mhra.gov.uk (accessed April 2006).
Mimouni 1998
  • Mimouni D, Gdalevich M, Mimouni FB, Haviv J, Ashkenazi I. The epidemiologic trends of scabies among Israeli soldiers: a 28-year follow-up. International Journal of Dermatology 1998;37(8):586-7.
    Direct Link:
Mimouni 2003
  • Mimouni D, Ankol OE, Davidovitch N, Gdalevich M, Zangvil E, Grotto I. Seasonality trends of scabies in a young adult population: a 20-year follow-up. British Journal of Dermatology 2003;149(1):157-9.
    Direct Link:
Orkin 1976
Pacque 1990
Petros 1990
Rauch 1990
Reintjes 1997
Review Manager 5.0
  • The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager (RevMan). 5.0. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2008.
Scheinfeld 2004
Victoria 2001
Wagner 2000
Walton 2004
  • Walton SF, Dougall A, Pizzutto S, Holt D, Taplin D, Arlian LG, et al. Genetic epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae) in northern Australia. International Journal for Parasitology 2004;34(7):839-49.
WHO 1990
  • International Programme on Chemical Safety. Deltamethrin (Environmental Health Criteria; 97). Geneva: World Health Organization, 1990.
WHO 2003
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Wong 2002
  • Wong L-C, Amega B, Barker R, Connors C, Dulla ME, Ninnal A, et al. Factors supporting sustainability of a community-based scabies control program. Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2002;43(4):274-7.
    Direct Link:
Yeruham 1998

References to other published versions of this review

  1. References to studies included in this review
  2. References to studies excluded from this review
  3. References to ongoing studies
  4. Additional references
  5. References to other published versions of this review
Walker 1997
  • Walker GJA, Johnstone PW. Drug treatment for scabies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1997, Issue 4.
Walker 1999a
  • Walker GJA, Johnstone PW. Interventions for treating scabies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1999, Issue 1. [DOI: ]
Walker 1999b
  • Walker GJA, Johnstone PW. Interventions for treating scabies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1999, Issue 3. [DOI: ]
Walker 2000
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