Comparative efficacy and tolerability of Ketomousse® (ketoconazole foam 1%) and ketoconazole cream 2% in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor: results of a prospective, multicentre, randomised study

Summary Ketomousse® (K), a new thermophobic formulation (ketoconazole 1%), has proven its efficacy in the treatment of dandruff, caused by the same agent as pityriasis versicolor (PV). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of K thermophobic foam vs. ketoconazole cream 2% (N) in the treatment of PV. Forty-six patients (22 in K and 24 in N group) with PV involving no more than 15% of the total trunk surface were randomly assigned for treatment either with K or N once daily for 14 days. Three weeks after the completion of treatment, improvement rate and side-effects were evaluated by clinical and mycological examination (Wood’s light). Follow-up was available for 81% of subjects. Complete resolution was observed in five patients (29%) in K group and in nine (47%) in N group (P = 0.291). One patient in the N group reported urticaria while no adverse events were reported for K. Both products were cosmetically acceptable with respect to feasibility of application and formulation with a preference for K. Ketomousse® (1% ketoconazole) provides an equal efficacy and tolerability compared to ketoconazole cream 2%. Therefore, Ketomousse® could be considered an excellent therapeutic option in the treatment of PV.