ABSTRACT
Background@#Tinea corporis and cruris are superficial fungal infections mainly caused by dermatophytes. The antifungal effect of carica papaya latex cream has been demonstrated in clinical studies, however, larger population and comparative studies to standard antifungal agents are needed to further strengthen this conclusion. This study determined the efficacy and safety of 1.5% carica papaya latex in cream base as treatment for tinea corporis and/or cruris compared to 1% terbinafine cream. @*Methods@#This is a randomized, double-blind controlled trial wherein subjects with a clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis or cruris confirmed by microscopy applied terbinafine or carica papaya latex cream twice daily for 6 weeks. The efficacy and safety were assessed 2, 4, and 6 weeks using clinical and mycological cure parameters. The incidence of adverse effects was likewise evaluated. @*Results@#90 subjects were randomized, 45 in carica papaya group and 45 in the terbinafine group. Both groups had statistically comparable improvements based on symptoms and mycological cure rates. Adverse events are significantly higher in the papaya latex cream group. @*Conclusion@#Carica papaya latex cream is as effective as terbinafine cream in the treatment of tinea corporis and/or cruris, but it has a higher incidence of adverse events.