Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Luliconazole 2% Cream vs Topical Ketoconazole 1% Cream in the Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia species, characterized by hypo- or hyper-pigmented scaly patches on the skin. Topical antifungal agents are the mainstay of treatment. Ketoconazole has been widely used; however, newer agents such as luliconazole may offer improved efficacy and shorter treatment duration. This randomized controlled study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of topical luliconazole versus topical ketoconazole in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Treatment response will be assessed clinically and mycologically to determine comparative outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Pityriasis Versicolor Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Dermatomycoses Infections Mycoses Skin Diseases Skin Diseases, Infectious Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Tinea Versicolor

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 4

About this study

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia species and is commonly treated with topical antifungal agents. Ketoconazole is a conventional treatment, while luliconazole is a newer topical antifungal with potent activity against fungal organisms. This randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the clinical and mycological efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical luliconazole versus topical ketoconazole in patients diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two treatment groups and followed for treatment response and adverse effects. The findings of this study may help determine a more effective topical treatment option for pityriasis versicolor.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

All patients diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor.

Exclusion criteria

Immunocompromised patients

Treatment and study plan

Luliconazole Cream 1%

Drug

Ketoconazole is relatively hydrophilic with limited skin retention, whereas luliconazole is highly lipophilic, resulting in superior stratum corneum penetration, higher keratin binding, and prolonged antifungal activity.

Topical ketoconazole 2% cream

Drug

Primary outcomes

Clinical and mycological cure rate in pityriasis versicolor.

Time frame: 4 weeks

Proportion of participants achieving both clinical and mycological cure.
Clinical and mycological cure

Time frame: 4 weeks after completion of treatment

Proportion of participants achieving both clinical and mycological cure

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Sana Rafique, MBBS

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923355956563

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad

Other

Collaborators

PAEC general hospital

Registry information

Acronym: P versicolor

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jan 12, 2026
Registry last updated: Jan 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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