Efficacy of combined triple therapy (Paramomycin ointment, cryotherapy and intralesional Glucantime) in comparison with intralesional Glucantime for the treatment of acute cutaneous Leishmaniasis

In spite of different methods of treatment, there is not a simple, safe and complete curative treatment for cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), yet. To compare the efficacy of intralesional Glucantime injection alone, with the combined triple therapy of cryotherapy, paramomycin ointment and intralesional Glucantime in the treatment of CL. 157 patients with CL were randomly allocated into 2 groups, 81 patients in group 1 were injected with intralesional Glucantime (Twice a week up to healing to the lesions or maximum 6 weeks). 76 patients in group 2 were treated with Paramomycin ointment (15% in 10% urea, twice a day), cryotherapy (Maximum 3 times 2 weeks) apart and injection of intralesional Glucantime (Once a week), for the same period as group 1. After 6 weeks, complete cure rate in group 2 (89.5%) was significantly more than group 1 (70.4%) (P<0.05). Our results indicating of more efficacy of the triple therapy is in accordance with the previous studies of combined cryotherapy and Paramomycin. It could be recommended as a better treatment modality for CL wherever possible.