Comparing emollient use with topical luliconazole (azole) in the maintenance of remission of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis. An open‐label, randomized prospective active‐controlled non‐inferiority study

Background Literature on emollient use in the management of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis is limited. Objective To assess the efficacy of emollient in the remission maintenance of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis. Methods In this randomized open‐label study with the intention to treat, 80 patients with chronic recurrent dermatophytosis were randomized into two groups, where both groups were treated adequately for 6 weeks, followed by continuation of topical azole in group A and topical emollient in group B for 6 weeks. Clinical remission was determined by disappearance signs and symptoms of tinea lesions with or without hyperpigmentation. Physician and patient global assessment scores were evaluated every 2 weeks for 6 weeks to assess remission maintenance. Results A total of 80 patients of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis were assessed for remission maintenance. The recurrence of disease occurred in 20 patients overall, wherein 7 patients (17.5%) in group A and 13 patients (32.5%) in group B at the end of the study (18 weeks); however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = .121). The mean physician global assessment scores of group A and group B at 12 weeks were 4.45 ± 0.74 and 4.15 ± 0.92, 4.43 ± 0.90 and 4.10 ± 0.98 at 14 weeks, 4.0 ± 1.32 and 3.98 ± 1.23 at 16 weeks, 3.85 ± 1.44 and 3.90 ± 1.35 at 18 weeks, respectively. The mean patient global assessment scores of group A and group B were 4.65 ± 0.62 and 4.25 ± 0.87 at 12 weeks, 4.40 ± 0.87 and 4.17 ± 0.98 at 14 weeks, 4.18 ± 1.15 and 4.12 ± 1.30 at 16 weeks and 3.97 ± 1.33 and 3.90 ± 1.51 at 18 weeks. Conclusion The present study concludes that the efficacy of emollient was not inferior to topical luliconazole for maintaining remission in chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis.