Journal of

Background and Aim: Dermatophytoses are the infections caused by the fungi that are capable to invade and multiply within keratinized tissues such as the skin, hair and nails. Topical azoles are considered the first-line treatment in dermatophytosis, but systemic therapy may also be required in some cases. Fungal skin infections have become more common in recent years, and injudicious use of conventional drugs has led to emergence of resistant species. This study compared the therapeutic effects of topical colloidal silver with topical clotrimazole in the treatment of  tinea capitis and tinea corporis.

Methods: In this double blind, non-randomized clinical trial, 40 patients with tinea capitis and tinea corporis were allocated into two groups, receiving either topical colloidal silver or topical clotrimazole, twice daily for at least 4 weeks. Systemic antifungals were also administreerd if needed. The response to treatment (negative KOH smear and resolved symptoms) was compared between the two groups at the end of the treatment period.

Results: The mean response time was 5.26±1.56 (range: 3-8)  weeks in colloidal silver receivers and 5.00±2.20 (range: 3-12) weeks in the clotrimazole group (P=0.67).  The response rates were 84.2% in the topical colloidal silver group, and 90.0% in the topical clotrimazole group (P=0.66). None of the patients experienced a side effect.

Conclusion: Topical colloidal silver may be as effective and safe as topical clotrimazole in patients with tinea capitis and tinea corporis. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.