Effectiveness and Safety Comparison Between Luliconazole (1%) Cream and Clotrimazole (1%) Cream in Treating Skin Tinea Infections

Background: The incidence of Tinea infections is on the rise in India, attributed to its tropical climate and prevailing low socio-economic conditions. Clotrimazole has been a longstanding treatment for these infections. However, Luliconazole, a more recent drug, is emerging as a superior option with enhanced effectiveness and tolerability, coupled with a shorter treatment duration. Material and Methods: Dermatology OPD attendees clinically diagnosed with tinea corporis or tinea cruris underwent screening, including medical history and medication details. Those with random blood sugar levels surpassing 200 mg/dl were excluded. Baseline clinical parameters erythema, scaling, pruritus, and papules were evaluated during the first visit, graded on a 4-point scale. Mycological evaluation was done by the Department of microbiology which involved the preparation of a KOH mount and microscopic examination. Results: Out of the total 84 cases studied in the study divided equally in to two groups. Group I luliconazole 1% and Group II clotrimazole 1% were determined baseline clinical parameters erythema, scaling, pruritus, and papules were evaluated during the first visit, graded on a 4-point scale. The same were evaluated at the end of 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Both treatment regimens showed improvement in the clinical outcomes of Tinea infections over time. Group I treated with 1% Luliconazole achieved a higher rate of clinical cure at the first visit and a significantly higher rate of complete cure by the third visit compared to Group II treated with 1% Clotrimazole. Conclusion: The present study concludes that, topical luliconazole 1% demonstrated superiority over topical clotrimazole 1% in achieving complete clearance, achieving a faster clinical cure, and securing mycological cure. The proportion of cases achieving clinical cure was higher in luliconazole group.

Keywords: Luliconazole, Clotrimazole, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis, Efficacy.