Sulfur for scabies outbreaks in orphanages.

Abstract

Scabies outbreaks occurred in two large orphanages in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Since we were concerned about the availability, safety, and cost of scabicides in Thailand, sulfur in petrolatum was our choice for mass treatment of the children. We studied the efficacy of sulfur in children 2 months to 6 years of age. After the treatment, 47% and 71% of the 102 patients were cured in 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Only three preschool children developed a mild facial irritation after the first application. This agent is a safe and cheap choice for mass therapy.

• Authors: Chulabhorn Pruksachatkunakorn, Maliwan Damrongsak, Sombat Sinthupuan
• Journal: Pediatric dermatology (Pediatr Dermatol) 2002 Sep-Oct Vol. 19 Issue 5 Pg. 448-53 ISSN: 0736-8046 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12383106 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Sulfur

Topics

• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Disease Outbreaks
• Humans
• Infant
• Orphanages
• Scabies (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Sulfur (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome