Recurrent Dermatophytosis: A Comparative Therapeutic Study using Oral Itraconazole Alone and in combination with Topical Tincture of Iodine

Abstract

Widespread resistant dermatophytosis cases have been increasing in frequency in Iraq, despite prolonged treatment protocol. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect of oral itraconazole alone and in combination with topical tincture of iodine as an adjuvant therapy for refractory dermatophytosis. A comparative research was conducted in the Dermatology and Venereology Department, Ramadi Teaching Hospital. A total number of 130 cases with recurrent tenia were enrolled in this study. All patients were diagnosed on clinical basis and direct microscopic examination. They divided into two groups depending on the line of treatment. Only 120 patients completed the study, 82(68.3%) were males, and 38(31.7%) were female. The age ranged (18-60 years) with mean (± SD) 33.3+12.7. Marked improvement and clinical cure at 2 weeks were highly significant level in 44(75.9%) cases of those treated by 5% topical tincture of iodine plus oral itraconazole, VS 14(24.1%) of individual treated by only oral itraconazole. While there was no significant difference in cure rate between both groups at 12 weeks follow up. Topical 5% iodine tincture is recommended as a synergistic antifungal activity in combination with oral itraconazole in treatment of recurrent tinea infections.