Treatment of Scabies by T.E.T.M.S

Abstract

Gordon and Seaton (1942) drew attention to a new prepn. (tetraethyl-thiuram monosulfide-T.E.T.M.S.) which they suggested was worthy of clinical trial, and their expts. on rats infested with itch-mites of the genus Notoedres gave reasonable grounds for assuming that this sarcopticide may give even better results in the treatment of human scabies than either dimethylthianthrene or benzyl benzoate prepns. Percival (1942) had demonstrated that a 5% soln. was curative in 50 consecutive hospitalized or ambulatory cases, but that in 0.25% strength the results were much less satisfactory. The prepn. used in the following series of cases was one supplied by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., and had the following formula: T.E.T.M.S., 25%; polyglycerol ricinoleate, 10%; industrial methylated spirit, 65%. The original cases were on the whole, and of their type, severe and responded extremely well to treatment. The application of the 25% emulsion, though seemingly wasteful, may be found both useful and time-saving, especially in severe and complicated cases for which hospitalization is considered necessary and when available beds are at a premium. In the first series of cases treatment erred on the generous side, and experience may show that the number of applications of the 25% emulsion may be reduced without detrimental effects. A similar emulsion with a smaller % of combined T.E.T.M.S. might perhaps give good results.