Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is characterized clinically by erythematous and slightly raised tracks, located especially on the feet. These tracks may be single or multiple, linear or serpiginous, more or less ramified and intertwined. The length is variable (up to many cm); the width ranges from 1 mm to 4 mm. Tracks are often accompanied by severe pruritus.
INTRODUCTION: Trikatu is composed of dried fruits of Piper nigrum L and Piper retrofractum Vahl, and dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale R. Although this preparation has been used to relieve pruritis, pain, and inflammation for a long time, there is no clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy and safety. Therefore, we performed a double-blind, within person-randomized controlled study of 30 healthy volunteers to determine efficacy and safety of topical Trikatu on mosquito bite reactions.
METHODS: All subjects were bitten by Aedes aegypti laboratory mosquitoes on their forearms and they were randomly assigned arms to apply either Trikatu or reference product on the mosquito bite papule. The main outcome was the difference of papule size reduction at 30 min, measured by a caliper, between the Trikatu and reference arms. Pruritis, redness, pain, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 15, 30, 60, 180, and 360 min as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences between treatment and reference arms on any outcome at any time of measurement.
CONCLUSION: Trikatu did not show additional effects for relieving mosquito bite reaction as compared with the reference product containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. For further study, it is very important to consider a proper selection of subjects, comparator product, and concentration of extract when Trikatu preparation is investigated.
KEYWORDS: Eucalyptus oil; Mosquito bite; Mosquito bite symptoms; Papule size reduction; Trikatu preparation
Worldwide, the treatment of tuberculosis is based on evidence-based guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for national tuberculosis programs. However, the importance of health related quality of life, the adequate management of side effects associated with antituberculosis drugs and the elaboration of tuberculosis treatment outcome categories are a few issues that need to be addressed in forthcoming WHO guidelines for the treatment of tuberculosis.