Double-blind comparative examination of ketoconazole 1% cream and clotrimazole 2% ointment in superficial dermatomycosis.

Comparative examinations were performed with ketoconazole (Nizoral) 1% cream and clotrimazole (Canesten) 2% ointment in 41 patients suffering from superficial dermatomycosis. Twenty-one patients were treated with ketoconazole, twenty patients, with clotrimazole twice daily, for a maximum 4 weeks. The results of the clinical and mycological examinations showed no significant differences when comparing the two groups treated with the different products. Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated strain in both groups. Side-effect occurred in two of the patients treated with ketoconazole cream (erythema, burning sensation) which did not require the discontinuation of therapy. In the clotrimazole-treated group the therapy had to be discontinued in 3 patients because of dryness of skin, burning sensation, and aggravation of inflammatory symptoms.