Comparative Study of Topical Oxiconazole 1% Cream Versus Clotrimazole 1% Cream in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis

Following approval from the hospital ethical committee, informed consent will be obtained from all patients, with basic information including name, age, gender, baseline clinical score, and location of dermatophytosis noted. A total of 164 patients will be evenly divided into two groups, each comprising 82 patients, utilizing a lottery method. In Group A, 1% oxiconazole cream will be applied once daily on skin lesions, while in Group B, 1% clotrimazole cream will be applied twice daily on the affected skin area. Tab. certirizine 10mg will be taken by patients of both groups at night for itching. The treatment will be continued for 1 month, and patients will do follow up visit at 2nd and 4th week from baseline. The clinical score will be assessed and photographs will be taken at each visit. Clinical assessment score will be will be made on the parameters of erythema, pruritus, and scaling, ranging from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe) for each parameter, with a maximum total score of 9.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and above
• Patients diagnosed with dermatophytosis per operational definition, involving less than 10% body surface area, that does not necessitate oral antifungal treatment (as assessed by the researcher).
• Both males and females.

Exclusion criteria

• History of hypersensitivity to azole drugs or vehicle ingredients.
• Use of any antifungal agents within past four weeks.
• Use of topical corticoseroids within past two weeks.
• Pregnant and lactating mothers.