Individualized Homeopathic Medicines versus Standard Care in the Treatment of Scabies in Children: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Two Parallel Cohorts

Background: Scabies, a parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis , is a global public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings where resistance to standard therapies such as permethrin is rising, and recurrence rates remain high. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) with standard permethrin ointment in treating pediatric scabies and to evaluate the impacts on quality of life. Methods: A longitudinal, prospective study with two parallel cohorts was conducted in Kolkata across homeopathic and conventional dermatology clinics. Children aged 5–18 years diagnosed with scabies received either IHMs or 5% permethrin cream. Each group included 50 participants. “Clinical cure,” days to recovery, improvements in Skindex-29, Dermatological Quality of Life (DLQI), and Children’s DLQI scores, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed systematically over 2 months. Results: Of 110 screened, 100 children were enrolled and analyzed (50 per group). Clinical cure rates were similar (IHMs: 90% and permethrin: 88%; P = 1.00). Median times to recovery were both 14 days ( P = 0.316). The IHM group showed a greater reduction and consistency in quality-of-life scores. No AEs occurred with IHMs; five cases of minor local reactions were reported for permethrin. Conclusion: IHMs provided clinical cure, recovery times, and superior quality-of-life improvements comparable to permethrin, with an excellent safety profile. The findings support the use of IHMs as a safe, effective, patient-centered alternative or adjunct in integrated scabies management, especially where conventional treatment access or efficacy is limited. Trial registration: CTRI/2023/04/051248; UTN: U1111-1289-9581.