[Profuse scabies: kinetic curves of parasitologic cure with an association of benzyl benzoate and sulfiram].

BACKGROUND

In vitro exposure to benzyl benzoate (25 p. 100) kills Sarcoptes scabiei within three hours. The aim of our study was to determine in vivo elimination of Sarcopte scabiei with a benzyl benzoate-sulfiram association.

METHODS

Medical charts of patients hospitalized for disseminated scabies from 1993 to 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of scabies was confirmed by microscopic determination. Parasitological examinations were conducted every day or every two days until negative results. Patients were treated by successive applications of benzyl benzoate until parasitological cure.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included in the study. The median delay of parasitological cure was seven days. After 15 days, 95 p. 100 of patients were cured. Two cutaneous side-effects were reported.

DISCUSSION: Despite immediate in vitro efficacy, benzyl benzoate action is delayed in vivo. The time of parasitological negativation after one application of benzyl benzoate is unknown. Therefore, it is not currently possible to determine whether our therapeutic regimen was excessive or not.