Permethrin 5% has been the drug of choice for scabies in much of the world since shortly after it was introduced in 1989. Skabi-Rid (permethrin 5%) was introduced in South Africa as a treatment for scabies in 2012.
What the references say
- World Health OrganizationPermethrin is listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
- South African Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List (Primary Health Care)Recommends a permethrin 5% formulation as first-line treatment for scabies.
- BMJ Clinical Evidence: Scabies (October 2007)Topical permethrin is highly effective at increasing clinical and parasitic cure of scabies within 28 days.
- New England Journal of Medicine (April 2006)Permethrin 5% is first-line therapy for scabies in the United States.
- Cochrane Library: Interventions for treating scabies (2009)Permethrin appeared to be the most effective topical treatment for scabies.
- European guideline for the management of scabiesPermethrin cream 5%, applied once for 8 to 14 hours, is effective and well tolerated (level of evidence Ib, grade A). Benzyl benzoate needs two to three applications.
- NHSPermethrin 5% listed as the treatment of choice.
- DRUGDEX Drug Evaluation (2009)The recommended treatment regimen for scabies is topical permethrin cream 5%.
- Merck Manual Professional (2008)Permethrin is the first-line topical drug for scabies.
- International Foundation of Dermatology: Management of scabiesPermethrin 5% listed as the first treatment for scabies.
- South African Medicines Formulary 7Permethrin is effective for scabies and pediculosis. Due to its low human toxicity it is increasingly important for controlling resistant organisms.
- Martindale, 37th editionUsed as a 5% application as an acaricide in the treatment of scabies.
See also the South African clinical trial behind Skabi-Rid.
S0 Skabi-Rid is a registered medicine (Reg. No. A40/13.2/0756). Read the package insert before use. If symptoms persist, see your doctor or pharmacist.