Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of artemether emulsion on localized senile pruritus: A randomized pilot study

Abstract

Background: Localized senile pruritus is a continued health problem for the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of artemether emulsion on localized senile pruritus. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with senile pruritus were randomized into the artemether emulsion (1%) group or emulsion base group in a 1:1 ratio (the artemether group vs the control group). The patients used artemether emulsion or emulsion base for pruritus twice daily for 2 weeks. The pruritus visual analog scale (VAS) and the rate of adverse events were evaluated in week 0 and week 2. Results: The VAS scores in week 2 after treatment decreased significantly compared with those before treatment in both groups (P