Sertaconazole Nitrate 2% Cream for the Treatment of Tinea pedis

Abstract

Introduction: Tinea pedis is a superficial fungal infection of the skin of feet caused by dermatophytes and characterised by erythema, desquamation, itching, vesicles and pustules in the interdigital or subdigital area, over soles and sides of feet. It is usually treated with a topical antifungal agent. Sertaconazole is a new, wide-spectrum, third-generation imidazole topical antifungal agent, available in cream, solution, powder and microsponge formulations. Aim: To study the effectiveness of 2% sertaconazole nitrate cream in patients of tinea pedis. Materials and Methods: Clinically diagnosed and culture confirmed one hundred sixty seven patients of tinea pedis were included in the study group. They were prescribed 2% sertaconazole cream for the treatment phase of four weeks. After this, there was a follow-up phase of two weeks. Results were analysed at the end of follow-up phase. Results: Clinical success was achieved in one hundred thirty four (134) patients and mycological cure in one hundred fifty seven (157), out of total one hundred sixty seven (167) patients included in the study group. Thus, 80.2% patients had no symptoms and signs and 94.0% patients had negative culture at the end of follow-up phase. Conclusion: Sertaconazole nitrate 2% cream is effective and safe in the treatment of tinea pedis. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic activities enhance the efficacy of drug beyond dermatophyte eradication. Thus, it also improves quality of life of patients.

Keywords

• antifungal agent
• dermatophytes
• superficial mycotic infection