Topical Aloe Vera in Treatment of Tinea Corporis or Cruris: An Open Therapeutic Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Superficial dermatophytosis of the glabrous skin (Tinea corporis or cruris) is a common condition in Iraq. While various effective treatment options exist, the readily available and inexpensive Aloe                  Vera plant, known for its antimicrobial properties, offers a potential alternative.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe Vera 5% gel in treating patients with a clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis or cruris in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from (January to March 2023).                                                                                 

Materials and Methods: This open-label therapeutic trial enrolled volunteers of 21 patients (14 males and 7 females) with a clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis or cruris with clinically and laboratory-confirmed Tinea of the glabrous skin. Their ages ranged from 12 to 63 years, with a mean ± SD of 27.85 ± 12.35 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 12 weeks, with a mean ± SD of 5.95 ± 3.95 weeks.                            

Results: Mycological cure rates were observed from the first week of treatment with Aloe Vera 5% gel until the last week. Clinical response, assessed by the global clinical evaluation of improvement, showed considerable residual lesions (<50% clinical improvement) in the first week and marked improvement (> 50% clinical improvement) in the second, third, and fourth weeks. No adverse effects were reported.                      

Conclusion: Aloe Vera 5% gel demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pruritus and scaling. However, antifungal activity may require a longer duration or increased concentration of active ingredients.