A Comparison between the Efficacies of Fluconazole and Ketoconazole in Treating Tinea Versicolor

Abstract

Introduction: Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a superficial fungal infection characterized by the appearance of discolored patches on the skin. The management of tinea versicolor often involves the use of antifungal agents, among which fluconazole and ketoconazole are frequently prescribed. This study aims to explore some aspects by conducting the comparison of fluconazole and ketoconazole, examining their efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction in the treatment of tinea versicolor.

Methods and materials: This clinical trial was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. It took place in the Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital, Bogura, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to July 2023. A total of 196 Participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, receiving either fluconazole or ketoconazole. The efficacy of treatment between the two groups were analyzed using the chi-squared test for categorical variables and the t-test for continuous variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Results: Fluconazole demonstrated a significantly higher rate of complete clearance at 79.6% compared to 71.4% with ketoconazole. Side effects were generally mild and less frequent in the fluconazole group, with fewer reports of nausea and headaches than in the ketoconazole group. Additionally, fluconazole showed a lower recurrence rate of 18.4%, versus 28.6% for ketoconazole, indicating a more durable effect in the prevention of symptom recurrence.

Conclusion: While both fluconazole and ketoconazole are effective and safe treatments for Tinea versicolor, fluconazole appears to have a slight advantage in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction. With a higher rate of complete clearance, fewer side effects, lower recurrence rates, and greater patient satisfaction, fluconazole presents a compelling option for managing this condition.