The Efficacy oral Terbinafine alone and combined with 20% topical urea in the treatment of Pediatric Dermatophytosis and Prevention of Chronicity and Recurrence. A double-blind Randomized control trial
Keratolytics in the treatment of dermatophytosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i3.3459Keywords:
Dermatophytosis, Keratolytics, Terbinafine, UreaAbstract
Background Dermatophytosis is a common cutaneous fungal infection, with recurrent and treatment-resistant cases increasingly reported. The limited efficacy of terbinafine and adverse effects of systemic antifungals underscore the need for safe, cost-effective topical alternatives such as 20% urea.
Objective To assess the efficacy of topical urea in combination with oral terbinafine vs. oral terbinafine alone in treating pediatric dermatophytosis, along with its impact on chronicity and recurrence.
Methods One hundred and forty patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. Diagnosis of dermatophytosis was confirmed by clinical as well as potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination. Group A patient used oral terbinafine on a weight basis for 6 weeks, while patients in Group B applied topical 20% urea in addition to terbinafine. Patients were followed at 2-week interval for 6 weeks and then monthly for 6 months.
Results The mean age in Groups A and B was 6.5±3.6 and 7.21±4.5, respectively. In both groups, male patients were in the predominant number. Both groups were comparable in terms of the number of lesions and site of involvement. At the final assessment, a greater percentage of the patients in Group B achieved remission without recurrence at 6-month follow-up. Similarly, the number of patients in the chronic category was lower in Group B (P-value <.05).
Conclusion It is concluded that for the treatment of dermatophyte infections, combination of oral terbinafine with 20% topical urea yields better outcome in terms of remission, recurrence and chronicity.
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