A pilot study of dimeticone oils versus sodium carbonate treatment for tungiasis: A randomized cohort trial in Homa Bay County, Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tungiasis is a cutaneous parasitosis caused by the female flea Tunga penetrans. Two-component dimeticone (NYDA) is the only treatment for tungiasis recommended by the World Health Organization; however, this topical drug is not available in Kenya. In Western Kenya, sodium carbonate is commonly used in the treatment of tungiasis. This study evaluated the 7-day cure rates for tungiasis by comparing sodium carbonate and NYDA treatments in Homa Bay County, Kenya.

Methodology/principal findings

This was a randomized, observer-blinded, parallel-treatment cohort trial. Twenty-three eligible children with 126 flea infections were matched and randomized. All participants received both treatments, with one treatment on each foot. We recorded all health conditions/informatio

SUBMITTER: Suzuki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11296639 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature