Comparative study of benzoyl peroxide versus erythromycin in trichomycosis axillaris and pubis

Abstract

Background: Trichomycosis axillaris and pubis is a bacterial infection of the hair shaft. It is characterized by nodular thickening on the hair shaft, composed of colonies of aerobic Corynebacterium. Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical application can be used successfully. Objective: We performed this study to compare treatment efficacy of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin in trichomycosis axillaris and pubis Method: The clinical study was made with 12 patients of trichomycosis axillaris and pubis. Result: Among 12 patients, 6 patients were treated by benzoyl peroxide topical application and the other by erythromycin. 1) All the affected patients were male, and mean age of onset was 31 years old. 2) Simultaneous involvement of axillae and pubis was found in 9 cases, and involvement of axillae only in 3 cases. 3) There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment efficacy between benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin (p>0.05). 4) Infected hair shafts were removed by shaving in 7 cases. But shaving itself did not shorten the period for complete cure (p>0.05). 5) Mean disease duration was 6.7 months and mean period for complete cure was 3.1 weeks. And there was no significant relation between disease duration and mean period for complete cure. 6) Only 1 case (8.3%) showed recurrence within 6 month-follow up, in which erythromycin topical application without shaving was used. 7) Among 12 cases, irritation and contact dermatitis were observed in 5 cases (41.7%). And these were all related with benzoyl peroxide application. Conclusion: Benzoyl peroxide is as effective as erythromycin in the treatment of trichomycosis axillaris and pubis. But, benzoyl peroxide have more side effect. Shaving itself is not necessag to treat trichomycosis.