Open comparative study of efficacy and safety of ketoconazole soap and oral ketoconazole in tinea versicolor

To compare the efficacy and safety of 2% ketoconazole soap in treatment of tinea versicolor [TV] and to compare it with stat 400mg dose of ketoconazole. Patients of TV confirmed by potassium hydroxide [KOH] mount were divided by block randomization into 2 groups. Group 1 received 400mg of oral ketoconazole single dose and a non-medicated soap for daily bath. Group 2 received 2% ketoconazole soap for daily bath. The lather from the soap while bathing was to be left on the skin for 3 minutes. Patients were assessed at the end one month and KOH repeated from index lesion. Twelve patients out of 25 completed the study, 6 in each group. Four patients [66%] were mycologically cured in group 1 while two patients [34%] were mycologically cured in group 2. All these patients were compliant with the usage of soap. Ketoconazole soap is at best an adjunct in the treatment of TV. It might however be useful in the prophylactic management of patients with chronic TV as bathing is almost a daily routine in most patients especially in tropics. Further studies are required in this aspect