Open comparative study of efficacy and safety of ketoconazole soap and oral ketoconazole in tinea versicolor

To compare the efficacy and safety of 2% ketoconazole soap in treatment of tinea versicolor [TV] and to compare it with stat 400mg dose of ketoconazole. Patients of TV confirmed by potassium hydroxide [KOH] mount were divided by block randomization into 2 groups. Group 1 received 400mg of oral ketoconazole single dose and a non-medicated soap for daily bath. Group 2 received 2% ketoconazole soap for daily bath. The lather from the soap while bathing was to be left on the skin for 3 minutes. Patients were assessed at the end one month and KOH repeated from index lesion. Twelve patients out of 25 completed the study, 6 in each group. Four patients [66%] were mycologically cured in group 1 while two patients [34%] were mycologically cured in group 2. All these patients were compliant with the usage of soap. Ketoconazole soap is at best an adjunct in the treatment of TV. It might however be useful in the prophylactic management of patients with chronic TV as bathing is almost a daily routine in most patients especially in tropics. Further studies are required in this aspect

Clinical and epidemiological study of Paederus dermatitis in Manipal, India

To study the clinical features and factors associated with Paederus dermatitis/blister beetle dermatitis [BBD] and to carry out an epidemiological survey in Manipal with regard to Paederus dermatitis. The study was conducted in two parts, viz., clinical and epidemiological. In the clinical study the patients were evaluated by means of a standard pro forma. In the epidemiological study, 55 randomly chosen houses each in 4 localities were assessed by a detailed standard questionnaire. The majority of subjects in the clinical study comprised of students with exposed areas being common sites of occurrence and a higher incidence in summer seasons. There was a previous occurrence in nearly one third of patients. The epidemiological study revealed preventive measures like closing windows and use of repellents being utilized. Presence of dense vegetation around household accounted to be a factor in occurrence of BBD. There was a higher occurrence in summer and rainy seasons. The exposed parts of the body were common sites of occurrence of BBD. The lesions Paederus dermatitis arise following crushing of the bug following bite and associated with burning or itching sensations mainly on the exposed areas. Kissing ulcers, whiplash dermatitis and Nairobi eye are some of the clinical manifestations of Paederus dermatitis. This study provides epidemiological as well as clinical data of Paederus dermatitis and recommends preventive measures in reducing future incidences of Paederus dermatitis