An alternative treatment for pityriasis versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea faciei with topical application of honey, olive oil and beeswax mixture: an open pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible role of honey, olive oil and beeswax in the treatment of skin fungal infections.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients with pityriasis versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea faciei were studied. After clinical evaluation of redness, scaling, pruritus and burning/pain sensation and mycological assessment, honey mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax (1:1:1) was applied to the lesions three times daily for a maximum of 4 weeks.


RESULTS
Clinical response was obtained in 86% of patients with pityriasis versicolor, 78% of patients with tinea cruris and in 75% of patients with tinea corporis. Mycological cure was obtained in 75, 71 and 62% of patients with PV, tinea cruris and tinea corporis, respectively. The patient with tinea faciei showed clinical and mycological cure 3 weeks after commencement of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Honey mixture may have place in the management of these skin conditions and rigorous, controlled trials are justified.
Al-Waili
N S
NS
Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Laboratories, Islamic Establishment for Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. noori786@yahoo.com
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006722:Honey; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011336:Probability; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014005:Tinea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D014010:Tinea Versicolor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014885:Waxes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D014885:Waxes; C038228:beeswax