Efficacy and safety of sertaconazole 2% in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of sertaconazole 2% cream in patients with dermatophytosis. Study Design: Descriptive Case Series. Setting: Department of Dermatology, Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Period: September 2024 to February 2025. Methods: A total of 131 patients aged 18–70 years with a clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis were enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients applied sertaconazole 2% cream twice daily for four weeks. Efficacy was assessed using a Clinical Assessment Score (CAS) for erythema, pruritus, and scaling, with a complete cure defined as a CAS of 0. Safety was evaluated by monitoring for adverse events. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.7 ± 11.2 years, with a male predominance (58.8%). Complete clinical cure was achieved in 90 patients (68.7%). A significant reduction was observed in all CAS parameters, with the highest mean reduction in pruritus (−2.3). Efficacy was significantly higher in patients with a disease duration of ≤4 weeks (75.5% vs. 48.5%, p=0.03) and in those with a normal BMI (77.0% vs. 57.9%, p=0.04). Adverse effects, primarily mild pruritus, were reported in only 7 patients (5.3%). Conclusion: Sertaconazole 2% cream is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for dermatophytosis, demonstrating high cure rates and a favorable safety profile. It is particularly effective when initiated early in patients with a normal body mass index.