Double blind study of ketoconazole and griseofulvin in dermatophytoses

Ketoconazole and griseofulvin were compared in a double blind fashion in 47 children with dermatophytosis and positive fungal culture. After 6 weeks of therapy there was clinical and mycologic cure or improvement of the lesions in 92% of patients treated with ketoconazole (Group A) and in 76% of those given griseofulvin (Group B). A patient in Group A showed clinical deterioration of the lesions after 4 weeks of treatment, although modification of antifungal therapy was not necessary to achieve final healing. One ketoconazole-treated patient relapsed within 7 days after cessation of therapy. In Group B the antifungal agent was changed in five cases due to worsening or slow resolution of the lesions and persistence of positive cultures after 6 weeks of treatment. Both ketoconazole and griseofulvin were useful drugs for treatment of dermatophytoses in children.