Comparative activity of miconazole cream and ointment in the treatment of experimental dermatophytosis in guinea pigs.

Summary:  Two formulations of miconazole nitrate were evaluated to determine their efficacy in the treatment of experimental Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes infections of guinea pigs. Cream and ointment formulations of the drug containing 1% hydrocortisone were applied daily to groups of infected guinea pigs for a 21 day period. Animals were assessed clinically and histopathologically. Early resolution of infection was seen on cream‐treated animals but there was mild inflammation and ulceration on those treated with the ointment formulation. This finding was supported by the histological appearance. However, by the end of the treatment period both groups of animals were completely clear of infection. This similarity in clinical response between the two formulations at the end of the treatment period was confirmed by the abscence of fungus in skin sections.