Comparison of the Dermatological Quality of Life Index of Patients with Scabies Treated with 5% Permethrin Cream and 4% Sulfur Ointment
Abstract
Scabies is a skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei with a high prevalence in Indonesia, especially in crowded environments such as Islamic boarding schools. This disease can reduce the quality of life of sufferers due to nocturnal pruritus, skin lesions, and psychosocial impacts. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a valid instrument for assessing the impact of skin diseases on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of patients. Objective: This study aims to compare the dermatology quality of life index of scabies patients treated with 5% permethrin cream and 4% sulfur ointment. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test control group approach. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling on 60 students with scabies at Islamic boarding schools in the working area of the Tahtul Yaman Community Health Center in Kota Seberang. The subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=30) received 5% permethrin therapy, and the control group (n=30) received 4% sulfur ointment therapy. Quality of life was measured using the DLQI questionnaire before and 7 days after therapy. Data were analyzed using the Paired Sample T-test and Independent T-test. Results: Both therapies showed a significant decrease in DLQI scores (p=0.000). The 5% permethrin group experienced a lower mean post-test score decrease (1.03±0.765) compared to the 4% sulfur ointment group (1.73±2.963) with a significant difference (p=0.002). Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the dermatology quality of life index between scabies patients treated with 5% permethrin and 4% sulfur ointment. Although both therapies were effective in improving the quality of life of scabies patients, 5% permethrin provided better results with a more optimal improvement in quality of life compared to 4% sulfur ointment.Keywords
scabies, dermatology quality of life, DLQI, 5% permethrin, 4% sulfur ointment
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