Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Results of topical dermatomycosis treatment are often unsatisfactory, particularly in patients with extended or multiple infection sites.

OBJECTIVE:

Given the high fluconazole concentrations attainable in the stratum corneum and the long elimination half-life of fluconazole, we investigated whether efficacy is satisfactory when using fluconazole at once weekly doses of 150 mg.

METHODS:

In an open, noncomparative study, tinea corporis and cruris patients were treated with once weekly fluconazole 150 mg over 2-4 weeks. Clinical (pruritus, erythema, scaling, burning/pain, vesiculation) and mycologic (culture and microscopy) assessments were performed before treatment, at weekly intervals until the end of treatment and 3 weeks after treatment. All adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS:

The total severity scores of clinical symptoms were reduced from 7.1 before to 1.5 after treatment (p = 0.001, n = 100 patients). Seven patients experienced adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for 2-4 weeks is an efficacious and safe regimen in the treatment of tinea corporis and cruris.