Demonstration of the percutaneous resorption of a lipophilic pesticide and its possible storage in the human body.

The kinetics of lindane concentration in the serum and the time-dependent urinary excretion of two groups, one with healthy subjects and one with scabies-infested subjects, were comparatively analyzed by gas chromatography. Both groups showed similar cumulative excretion curves at completely different lindane concentrations in the serum. Comparison of serum concentration in healthy females (high lindane concentration in serum) and healthy males (low serum concentration) to the urinary excretion showed similar results. There appears to be a serum 'threshold concentration', above which it is possible that lindane is no longer primarily excreted by the kidney. Based on these results recommendations are presented, for the practical use of such data in the treatment of scabies.