Systematic review of topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the feet.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify and synthesise the evidence for efficacy and cost effectiveness of topical treatments for superficial fungal infections of the skin and nails of the feet.

Design

Systematic review.

Interventions

Topical treatments for superficial fungal infections.

Main outcome measures

Cure confirmed by culture and microscopy for skin and by culture for nails in patients with clinically diagnosed fungal infections.

Results

Of 126 trials identified in 121 papers, 72 (57.1%) met the inclusion criteria. Placebo controlled trials yielded pooled relative risks of failure to cure skin infections: allylamines (0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.24 to 0.38); azoles (0.54, 0.42 to 0.68); undecenoic acid (0.28, 0. 11 to 0.74); and tolnaftate (0.46, 0.17 to 1.22

SUBMITTER: Hart R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC28154 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature