Author
Jean Llamasares-De Franci ,
Marie Stephanie Yoro
Related Institution
Publication Information
Sub Type
Journal Article, Original
Title
Philippine Journal of Pediatrics
Date of Publication
October-December 2005
Abstract BACKGROUND: Scabies is a common contagious skin infestation in children by the mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which is usually contracted by close personal contact, overcrowding, close living quarters and by the use of contaminated towels, bed linen and clothing. A number of effective treatments have been developed however these have been unavailable to most of the affected population due to cost and toxic effects.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE : To confirm the established efficacy of Tinospora rumphii Boerl against scabies as compared to the standard treatment of choice, 10 percent Crotamiton lotion.
METHODOLOGY: A total of 55 subjects were randomly included in this double-blind clinical trial and grouped for treatment accordingly: 30, with Tinospora rumphii lotion (experimental); 15, with standard treatment of Crotamiton lotion (positive control); and 10, with placebo. Patients were treated once daily for three to five days followed by a 5-day rest period and then a second cycle of scabicide application.
RESULTS: All Tinospora-treated subjects responded as follows: 33% showed excellent response to treatment, 160% good response and only 7% fair response to the experimental treatment regimen. In reference to statistical evaluation, there is no significant difference in the efficacy of the formulated makabuhay lotion and Crotamiton but showed significant improvement of lesions with both scabicides in comparison to placebo.
CONCLUSION: The study confirms the anti scabies property of Tinospora rumphii Boerl. and provides an affordable alternative to costly, and potentially toxic drugs in the treatment of scabies in children.
References
1. Muller C, . Scraping for Human scabies: A better method for positive preparationArch Dermatol 107, 70, 1973
2. Green MS, . Epidemiology of scabiesEpidemiology Review 11, 126-145, 1989
3. Journal of Microbiol Infect Dis 28(4): 1999
4. Rivera EF et al, . A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Crotamiton and Tinopora rumphii Boerl in treatment of scabies in childrenJournal Philippine Medical Association 58(7): 1983
5. Salazar NP et al., . Tinospora rumphii Boerl. (Makabuhay) in the treatment of scabies
6. Concepcion MC et al., . A Study on the Efficacy of 50% Akapulco Lotion in the Treatment of ScabiesThe Filipino Family Physician 37(1): 1999
7. Benaz JA et al., . Clinical Trial on the Effectiveness of Gliciridia sepium (kakawati) in Treating Patients with Scabies in the Antipolo CBHP, Philippine.
8. Journal of Microbiol Infect Dis 28(4): 1999
9. Reyes T, . Personal Communications. Dermatology Research and Training, Ministry of Health, San Lazaro Compound
10. Padua LS, , Lugod GC, , Pancho JC, . Handbook on Philippine Medicinal Plants. Documentation and Information Section Office of Director of Research UP Los Banos, 1978. Vol. 1. p..
11. Stecher PG, , Finkel MJ, , Siegmund CH et al., . Merch Index of Chemical Drugs . Merck and Co., Inc., Rahway NJ, 1960. p.143. (17th ed)
12. Frazier CA, . Insect Allergy, Allergic and toxic Reactions to Bites of Insects and other Arthropods. Warren H. Green, Inc., 1969.
13. American Public Health Association. Scabies. In Control of Communicable Diseases in Man, edited by AS Benenson 1985.
14. Alhambra MA, , Cortes NA, . Prompt Antibiotics Treatment of Scabies in the Prevention of GlomerulopnephriitisPhil Journal of Pediatrics 26, 169-173, 1977
15. Behrman RE, , Kliegman RM, , Jenson HE, . Textbook of Pediatrics. Saunders, 2004. 658:2239-2. (17th ed)