A novel two-step kit for topical treatment of tinea pedis--an open study.

BACKGROUND Tinea pedis is a common skin disease affecting most of the population during their lifetime. Topical and systemic treatments give only temporary relief. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new topical treatment for moderate-to-severe tinea pedis. METHODS Fifty patients suffering from tinea pedis were treated in two stages: the active stage--single use of the novel topical solution for 45 min and novel cream twice weekly for 4 weeks; the preventive stage--cream application once weekly for 10 months. RESULTS Forty-five patients completed the active stage and achieved 76% cure rate. The medication was well tolerated; one patient dropped from the study because of very mild irritation. No other topical or systemic side effects were noted. Another five patients were lost to follow-up during the preventive stage. The total cure rate after the preventive stage was 70%. CONCLUSIONS This novel treatment was found to be effective, well tolerated and safe in the treatment of moderate and severe tinea pedis during the active and the preventive stages.