Abstract
Introduction: Topical clotrimazole and sertaconazole may be effective in the treatment of erythrasma, a superficial skin infection developed by a group of aerobic microorganisms. This study aimed to compare the effect of clotrimazole and sertaconazole on erythrasma. Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, 40 age-matched patients with confirmed erythrasma diagnosis were divided into two equal groups; one treated with topical 2% sertaconazole and the other with topical 1% clotrimazole. The clinical features of erythrasma were monitored for two weeks (baseline, day 7, and day 14) and compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16 software. Results: On day 7, in clotrimazole group, reduction in erythema and pigmentation were more prominent in comparison to the sertaconazole group (P=0.02 and P=0.005, respectively), but there was no difference considering scaling reduction between groups. On day 14, in terms of erythema reduction, the clotrimazole group performed better compared to the sertaconazole group (P=0.04). Both groups had a significant reduction in erythrasma symptoms during their treatment period (P<0.001). Conclusions: Regarding the results, both clotrimazole and sertaconazole are effective medications for erythrasma treatment. Still, clotrimazole has a faster recovery process in comparison to sertaconazole, but no significant difference is observed in outcomes after two weeks of treatment.
Highlights
Introduction: Topical clotrimazole and sertaconazole may be effective in the treatment of erythrasma, a superficial skin infection developed by a group of aerobic microorganisms
On day 14, in terms of erythema reduction, the clotrimazole group performed better compared to the sertaconazole group (P = 0.04)
When each group was investigated individually to compare the assessment in different time points, both sertaconazole and clotrimazole groups performed well in reducing erythema, pigmentation and scaling through time
Summary
Topical clotrimazole and sertaconazole may be effective in the treatment of erythrasma, a superficial skin infection developed by a group of aerobic microorganisms. On day 14, in terms of erythema reduction, the clotrimazole group performed better compared to the sertaconazole group (P = 0.04) Both groups had a significant reduction in erythrasma symptoms during their treatment period (P < 0.001). Erythrasma is a mild skin infection which is identified as red, flat and without secretion spots It is mainly observed in the skin of wrinkled and creased parts of the body, like the groin, armpit and fingers, usually as a result of Corynebacterium minutissimum infection.[7,8,9] The etiology of erythrasma is not entirely clear, but the involved microorganisms – especially in toe cleft infections – are supposed to be part of the normal body flora.[10] Azole antifungal drugs, such as clotrimazole and sertaconazole, usually take significant steps towards the treatment of erythrasma.[11,12] Erythromycin and tetracycline are other acknowledged alternative treatments.[8,13]
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