From the Research
Topical Treatments for Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor
- Ketoconazole 2% shampoo has been shown to be effective in the treatment of tinea versicolor, with clinical response rates of 73% and 69% for 3-day and 1-day treatment regimens, respectively 1.
- Topical ketoconazole has been found to be clinically effective for the treatment of Malassezia-related conditions, including pityriasis versicolor, with a reported efficacy of 71-89% 2.
- Ketoconazole 2% foam has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, with improvement in clinical assessment and microscopic evidence of the disease 3.
Comparison of Treatment Options
- A study comparing single dose (400 mg) versus 7 day (200 mg) daily dose itraconazole in the treatment of tinea versicolor found that both regimens were effective, but single dose appeared to be better for improving compliance and decreasing the cost of treatment 4.
- Itraconazole has been found to be superior to placebo and as effective as selenium sulfide, clotrimazole, and ciclopirox olamine in the treatment of tinea versicolor 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- Ketoconazole 2% shampoo has been found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no significant differences in adverse events between treatment groups 1.
- Topical ketoconazole has been found to be safe, but clinicians should be aware of the potential for allergic contact dermatitis 2.
- Ketoconazole 2% foam has been found to be well-tolerated, with only one subject reporting a mild skin burning sensation after application of the medicine 3.