EFFICACY OF ITRACONAZOLE VERSUS VORICONAZOLE IN MANAGING RESISTANT DERMATOPHYTOSIS

Background: Resistant dermatophytosis shows increasing reports throughout South Asia because common antifungal treatments fail to treat the condition. The existing comparative studies need to provide evidence that will determine the best treatment methods for patients with resistant diseases. Objective: Compare the clinical efficacy of oral itraconazole versus oral voriconazole in cases of resistant dermatophytosis. Methods: The Dermatology Department at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar conducted a randomized controlled trial. The study involved 60 patients who had dermatophytosis, which was confirmed through clinical examination and KOH testing, and did not respond to first-line treatment. The researchers assigned the participants to two treatment groups, which included voriconazole for 30 patients and itraconazole for 30 patients. The researchers evaluated treatment response at two time points, which were 2 weeks and 4 weeks, and they classified results into three categories: complete resolution, partial resolution, and no change. Results: At 4 weeks, complete resolution appeared more frequently with voriconazole (80%) than with itraconazole (60%). Partial resolution occurred in 13.3% versus 23.3%, while no change was observed in 6.7% versus 16.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Voriconazole showed better clinical results than itraconazole for treating resistant dermatophytosis, while it stands as the preferred treatment for patients who do not respond to other methods.