Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal agents clotrimazole versus sertaconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis/cruris

Abstract

Background: Tinea corporis is a common dermatophytic infection affecting 22-25% of the world population. Clotrimazole is conventional antifungal drug whereas sertaconazole is newer antifungal claimed to be superior to clotrimazole. Both are used topically. Aims and Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of topical clotrimazole versus sertaconazole in tinea corporis/cruris. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with tinea corporis/cruris were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each. Group A received topical clotrimazole (1% cream), and Group B received topical sertaconazole (2% cream). The patients were advised to apply the drug on affected area twice daily for 4 weeks. Outcome parameters such as pruritus, erythema, vesicles and desquamation, and potassium hydroxide mount were noted weekly for the assessment of efficacy. Results: There was significant reduction in pruritus (P < 0.001), erythema (P < 0.001), vesicles (P < 0.001), and desquamation (P < 0.001) among both the groups. The mean difference and the standard deviation of the total score of all parameters (baseline to 4th week follow-up) for clotrimazole group were 6.39 ± 1.123 and for sertaconazole group were 7.37 ± 0.751, respectively. The P value on the application of students unpaired t-test was P = 0.115 (not significant). No serious adverse drug events in both the groups. Conclusion: Clotrimazole is as efficacious and safe as compared with sertaconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis/cruris. However, sertaconazole group has showed an early response to therapy compared to clotrimazole group.