The effectiveness of repeated doses of orally 400 mg fluconazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness between repeated doses of 400 mg Fluconazole and 20% Sodium thiosulfate in patients with Pityriasis versicolor. Design: Double blinded, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Bangkok skin clinic. Subjects: Ninety-seven patients with Pityriasis versicolor, enrolled in the study, while 93 patients complete the study. Intervention: The eligible patients were allocated into two groups by stratified randomization according to body area of involvement. One group received Fluconazole at day 0, 7 plus placebo solution (normal saline) for two weeks. The other group received Sodium thiosulfate for two weeks plus placebo capsulse at day 0, 7. Main outcome measurement: Cure rate in each group was assessed by both clinical and mycological cure. Results:The difference of cure rates between Fluconazole and Sodium thiosulfate groups was 26.9% (99%CI -18.0, 71.9) after adjusted for the body area of involvement. Conclusion: Thereis insufficient evidence to make conclusion that repeated doses of orally 400 mg Fluconazole is more effective in treating Pityriasis versicolor than 20% Sodium thiosulfate.