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Treatment of 18 children with scabies or cutaneous larva migrans using ivermectin
M del Mar Sáez-De-Ocariz1, C Durán McKinster, L Orozco-Covarrubias
1Department of Dermatology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Insurgentes Sur 3700 C, Mexico City 04530, Mexico.
Insights
Ivermectin effectively treats scabies and cutaneous larva migrans in children, even those with complex conditions. This study found it safe and well-tolerated, offering a valuable alternative for pediatric parasitic skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Ivermectin is used for filarial diseases, scabies, and larva migrans.
- Safety concerns exist for ivermectin use in children under 5 or weighing less than 15 kg.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ivermectin for treating scabies and cutaneous larva migrans in children.
- To assess ivermectin's effectiveness in pediatric patients with complex medical histories.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 18 children (14 months to 17 years) treated with ivermectin.
- Included patients with crusted scabies, common scabies, and cutaneous larva migrans.
- Dosage and adverse effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment in all 18 pediatric patients.
- 15 patients cured with a single dose; 3 with crusted scabies required a second dose.
- No significant adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- Ivermectin is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric cutaneous parasitosis.
- It provides a valuable alternative for treating scabies and cutaneous larva migrans in children.
- Further research may support broader use in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
In addition to onchocerciasis and other filarial diseases, ivermectin has been used for the treatment of scabies, head lice, larva migrans and gnathostomiasis. However, there is concern regarding the safety of its use in children under 5 years of age or weighing less than 15 kg. We present our experience in 18 children (aged 14 months to 17 years), with scabies or cutaneous larva migrans successfully treated with ivermectin. They included four cases of crusted scabies associated with immunosuppression and seven cases of common scabies four of whom had associated clinical mental retardation, immunosuppression or hypomobility. A further seven patients had cutaneous larva migrans. Fifteen patients were cured with a single dose of ivermectin, and three patients with crusted scabies required a second dose. None of our patients suffered significant adverse effects. We believe that ivermectin is a safe and effective alternative treatment of cutaneous parasitosis in children.