Single-dose oral fluconazole versus topical clotrimazole in patients with
pityriasis versicolor: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Author(s): Dehghan M, Akbari N, Alborzi N, Sadani S, Keshtkar AA.
Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, 5th Azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical
Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
Publication date & source: 2010, J Dermatol. , 37(8):699-702
This study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of topical
clotrimazole and systemic fluconazole in pityriasis versicolor. A double-blind
randomized controlled trial was carried out in the dermatological clinic of
Gorgan, northern Iran, between April 2006 and May 2007. All consecutive patients
with pityriasis versicolor were included and randomly divided into two groups. In
the first group (G1), patients underwent treatment with a single dose of
fluconazole capsule (400 mg) and placebo cream. In the second group (G2),
patients underwent treatment with clotrimazole cream (twice daily) and placebo
capsule. The course of treatment was 2 weeks. All subjects were re-evaluated 2, 4
and 12 weeks after the end of the therapeutic course. After 2 weeks, the rate of
complete resolution of disease was significantly higher in G2 than G1 (49.1% vs
30%). After 4 weeks, 41 patients (81.2%) of G1 and 52 patients (94.9%) of G2
showed complete resolution. After 12 weeks, 46 patients (92%) in G1 and 45
patients (81.8%) in G2 showed complete resolution. Recurrence rate in G1 and G2
were 6% and 18.2%, respectively. No complications were seen in either group. In
this study, clinical response at week 4 was greater in the clotrimazole group
than the fluconazole group. Recurrence at week 12 after treatment was less with
oral fluconazole than clotrimazole cream. So, for better evaluation, more studies
need to be done.
|