Scabies Infestations
To the Editor We read the recent Review by Dr Thomas and colleagues on scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations. Scabies is a growing and important problem; we are glad that awareness is being brought to this neglected tropical disease. Our recent work on this topic led us to investigate a treatment method that was not included in the Review but is included in some of the sources cited. This treatment is topical ivermectin, and we have had success using it, although this is currently an unlicensed indication. Topical ivermectin is applied in a similar manner to permethrin: top to toe, left on the skin for 8 to 12 hours, with a second application 7 to 14 days later. At our center, we have treated 10 patients with an age range of 14 months to 68 years, with no treatment failures.
To the Editor We read the recent Review by Dr Thomas and colleagues on scabies, bedbug, and body lice infestations. Scabies is a growing and important problem; we are glad that awareness is being brought to this neglected tropical disease. Our recent work on this topic led us to investigate a treatment method that was not included in the Review but is included in some of the sources cited. This treatment is topical ivermectin, and we have had success using it, although this is currently an unlicensed indication. Topical ivermectin is applied in a similar manner to permethrin: top to toe, left on the skin for 8 to 12 hours, with a second application 7 to 14 days later. At our center, we have treated 10 patients with an age range of 14 months to 68 years, with no treatment failures.
