title: An open-label, single-center pilot study to determine the antifungal activity of a new nonsteroidal cream (Promiseb Topical Cream) after 7 days of use in healthy volunteers.
abstract: Topical corticosteroids are effective for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. The duration of treatment with mid- to high-potency formulations is limited by the well-known side effects associated with their long-term use; further, topical corticosteroids treat only the inflammation associated with the disease. This study assessed the antifungal activity of a new corticosteroid-free cream against Malassezia spp, which may be an important pathogenic factor in seborrheic dermatitis. This was a single-center, bilateral, open-label pilot study in 10 healthy volunteers. The nonsteroidal cream was applied twice daily to a designated target area on the chest for 7 days, and the number of colony-forming units of Malassezia spp taken by tape stripping after 7 days was compared with baseline. The percentage reduction from baseline to day 7 in the number of colony-forming units of Malassezia spp was 94% on the treated side versus 49% on the untreated side (P = .03). This pilot study shows the nonsteroidal topical cream has antifungal activities. Further exploration into its potential as a therapeutic alternative for seborrheic dermatitis is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Indiana University Medical Center, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000, USA.
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kircik
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008290:Malassezia / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D009824:Ointments