ISSN:
1468-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Dermatophyte infections of the skin are common, accounting for as many as 3% of all diagnoses in general practice. During the last 15 years, there has been an increase in the proportion of skin dermatophytoses failing to respond to routine topical therapy. Ketoconazole is more effective than griseofulvin in these difficult-to-treat infections but relapses are still a major problem. Early reports suggested that itraconazole, by contrast, has excellent efficacy in such infections and that relatively short courses of treatment are adequate for most patients. The purpose of our study was to review the efficacy and safety of itraconazole in these difficult-to-treat dermatophytoses and, in particular, to assess its use in tinea capitis. In a multicentre study, 71 patients with dermatophyte infections of the scalp, with Microsporum canis as the major pathogen, received 50 or 100 mg itraconazole daily for six weeks. Of patients receiving itraconazole 100 mg daily, 93% showed a clinical response at the end of treatment which was maintained at final follow-up. The mycological cure rate in this group was 89%. Only one side effect was reported. Itraconazole is both effective and safe. Response continues even after the end of treatment. This allows shorter courses of therapy and helps prevent reinfection and relapse. Itraconazole thus offers a new approach to the treatment of difficult-to-treat tinea infections.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.1992.tb00677.x
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