DOI: 10.36347/sjams. 2015.v03i09.062

Pages: 3456-3460

Background: Superficial fungal infections are among the most frequent dermatological diseases worldwide, affecting as many as one-quarter of the world population. They represent a significant health burden due to their chronic nature, tendency to relapse, and impact on quality of life. Topical antifungal therapy is even today the treatment of choice for uncomplicated infections due to its safety, easy accessibility, and low cost. The aim of this study was to assess the topical therapy for superficial fungal infections. Methods & materials: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 2014 to January 2015. Total 150 patients clinically diagnosed with superficial fungal infections were enrolled in the study. Result: A total of 150 patients with superficial fungal infections were studied. Most were aged 20–40 years (56.7%) with a male predominance (63.3%). The trunk (26.7%) and groin (23.3%) were the most affected sites, and tinea corporis was the leading clinical type (30%), followed by tinea cruris (20%). Major risk factors included sweating (30%), poor hygiene (20%), and diabetes (13.3%). Clotrimazole (40%) was the most prescribed topical agent, followed by ketoconazole (26.7%) and terbinafine (23.3%). Clinical cure was achieved in 66.7%, with minimal adverse effects (13.3%), mainly irritation, burning, or pruritus. Recurrence occurred in 6.7%. Conclusion: Topical antifungal therapy is effective and may be well tolerated in superficial fungal infections, with recurrence always in mind, emphasizing the importance of adherence and region-based treatment strategies.