Randomized, controlled trial testing the effectiveness and safety of 2.5% and 5% benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of pitted keratolysis

Abstract

Background

The appropriate dosage and duration of topical benzoyl peroxide gel (BP) treatment of pitted keratolysis (PK) is controversial.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and safety of topical 2.5% and 5% BP for the treatment of PK.

Materials and methods

This randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Chumpol Naval Rating School, Chonburi, Thailand. Naval rating cadets with PK were randomly assigned to either a 2.5% or a 5% BP group and were requested to apply the related medication on each sole once daily, for 2 weeks.

Results

All 42 and 47 participants who were treated with 2.5% and 5% BP, respectively, were included in the later analysis. Self-evaluation of the foot odor level using a visual analog scale (VAS) showed significant decreases for both groups (p<.001). The pitted lesions were evaluated by dermatologists and found to have improved in the 2.5% and 5% BP groups (69.0% versus 63.8%, respectively; p=.457). Side effects did not statistically differ between the two groups (p>.05).

Conclusions

Either 2.5% or 5% BP can be used for the treatment of PK and foot malodor. Due to the similarities in their efficacies and side effects, the use of 2.5% BP may be preferable.

Keywords:

• Pitted keratolysis
• benzoyl peroxide
• foot odor

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Assist. Prof Dr Chulaluk Komoltri for statistical analyses and the Dermatological Society of Thailand for support.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Dermatological Society of Thailand.