TOPICAL CLOTRIMAZOLE VERSUS SERTACONAZOLE: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF CLINICAL AND MYCOLOGICAL OUTCOMES IN TINEA CRURIS

Abstract

Tinea cruris is a superficial dermatophyte infection that frequently affects adults, presenting with pruritus, erythema, and discomfort. Effective topical antifungal therapy is critical for symptom relief and prevention of recurrence. This prospective observational study was conducted to compare the efficacy of topical clotrimazole (1%) and sertaconazole (2%) in patients diagnosed with tinea cruris. A total of patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and allocated into two groups based on prescribed treatment. Clinical parameters such as erythema, scaling, pruritus, and lesion size were recorded at baseline and subsequent follow-ups. Mycological clearance was assessed through potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy. The study findings revealed that both clotrimazole and sertaconazole significantly improved clinical and mycological outcomes over the treatment period. However, sertaconazole demonstrated faster symptomatic relief, greater reduction in lesion severity scores, and a higher rate of complete mycological clearance compared to clotrimazole. Both drugs were well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. The results suggest that while clotrimazole remains an effective first-line antifungal, sertaconazole offers superior efficacy in terms of rapid symptom control and clearance.