Korean J Dermatol.  2023 Dec;61(10):620-625.

Efficacy of Oral Ivermectin Combined with Topical Scabicide for the Treatment of Scabies in Routine Clinical Care

• Oh S
• Seong HK
• Lee SM
• Park HJ

Abstract

Background
Oral ivermectin is an effective alternative to topical agents for scabies infestation, and may be beneficial in the treatment of crusted scabies in case of failure or impracticability of topical therapy.
Objective
The present study aims to evaluate treatment outcomes of patients with scabies treated with oral ivermectin. Furthermore, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin based on clinical characteristics.
Methods
Overall, 16 patients with scabies received 200 μg/kg of ivermectin and topical scabicide (5% permethrin or 10% crotamiton) at 1-week intervals. Treatment outcome was evaluated by mineral oil test and medical examination at intervals of 1 or 2 weeks. If no improvement was observed at the follow-up, treatment was repeated.
Results
All patients achieved a clinical response. The average number of administrations of ivermectin was 2.69, and the mode was 3 (n=8). The average number of administrations was higher for those over 70 years of age than for those under 70 years of age (2.80 vs. 2.50), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.558). There were no significant differences based on clinical type. The mean time from the first administration of ivermectin to the negative conversion of the mineral oil examination was 18.43±7.26 days. No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion
Oral ivermectin is an effective and safe therapy for treating human scabies.

Keyword

Ivermectin; Scabies