Itraconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis: a pilot study

In this pilot study, itraconazole was administered to 18 patients with tinea corporis. The dosage was 100 mg daily for four to six weeks. Follow-up visits took place two, four, and six weeks after the first dose. Skin samples were cultured, and clinical symptoms were assessed at each visit. At two weeks clinical symptoms were significantly reduced in all patients, and cultures were negative in approximately 50%. After four and six weeks, respectively, 83% and 89% of patients had negative cultures and 89% and 94% were considered markedly improved or cured in an overall assessment. None of the patients reported any adverse reactions. No changes were observed in hematologic and biochemical values except in one patient who had asymptomatic elevations in hepatic transaminases at six weeks. Itraconazole appeared to be effective in the treatment of tinea corporis. Two weeks of treatment was effective in many patients, and it was not necessary to treat any patient for more than four weeks.