Abstract

A STUDY ON THE SAFETY PROFILE OF PERMETHRIN 5% IN INFANTS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS

Dr. Sukhmani Kaur Brar, Dr. B. K. Brar and *Dr. Neerja Puri

Abstract

Introduction: Scabies is an infectious disease seen commonly in infants and children. Various topical agents have been tried in infants, but safety is an important concern. Aims: To study the side effect profile of permethrin 5% cream in infants between 2-6 months of age. Methods: 30 infants of 2-6 months of age having scabies were selected & were given single night application (6 – 8 hrs) of permethrin 5% cream. Results: Out of 30 cases, only 3 (10%) cases had mild to moderate irritation. no case was seen having any neurological or any other cutaneous side effects on six months of follow up. Discussion: Topical permethrin (5% cream) is a safe and effective scabicide in children and is recommended as a first-line therapy for infants.

Keywords: Scabies; infants; permethrin; topical; infection.