Can pityriasis versicolor be treated with 2% ketoconazole foam?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia species.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and microscopic confirmation using KOH preparation.
• Ketoconazole is a standard treatment, but a foam vehicle may enhance absorption and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of ketoconazole 2% foam in treating pityriasis versicolor.
• To evaluate the patient's satisfaction with the novel foam vehicle.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 10 evaluable subjects with tinea versicolor.
• Subjects applied ketoconazole 2% foam twice daily for 2 weeks.
• Clinical and mycological assessments were conducted at 4 visits, with patient questionnaires on pruritus and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Microscopic evidence of fungal infection cleared in most subjects by week 4.
• Significant improvements were observed in clinical features like scale, pigmentation, and erythema.
• 7 out of 10 subjects showed improvement from mild/moderate to minimal/no disease; patient feedback was favorable.

Conclusions:

• Ketoconazole 2% foam demonstrated efficacy in improving clinical and microscopic signs of pityriasis versicolor.
• The foam vehicle was well-tolerated and received positive patient feedback.
• This pilot study supports further investigation of ketoconazole foam for superficial fungal infections.