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

Background: In spite of different methods of treatment, there is not a simple, safe and complete curative treatment for cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), yet. Objective: 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. Materials and methods: 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. Results: After 6 weeks, complete cure rate in group 2 (89.5%) was significantly more than group 1 (70.4%) (P<0.05). Conclusion: 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.