An alternative treatment for pityriasis versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea faciei with topical application of honey, olive oil and beeswax mixture: an open pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the possible role of honey, olive oil and beeswax in the treatment of skin fungal infections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Thirty-seven patients with pityriasis versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and tinea faciei were studied. After clinical evaluation of redness, scaling, pruritus and burning/pain sensation and mycological assessment, honey mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax (1:1:1) was applied to the lesions three times daily for a maximum of 4 weeks.

RESULTS:

Clinical response was obtained in 86% of patients with pityriasis versicolor, 78% of patients with tinea cruris and in 75% of patients with tinea corporis. Mycological cure was obtained in 75, 71 and 62% of patients with PV, tinea cruris and tinea corporis, respectively. The patient with tinea faciei showed clinical and mycological cure 3 weeks after commencement of therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Honey mixture may have place in the management of these skin conditions and rigorous, controlled trials are justified.

• Authors: N S Al-Waili
• Journal: Complementary therapies in medicine (Complement Ther Med) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 45-7 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0965-2299 [Print] Scotland
• PMID: 15130571 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Olive Oil
• Plant Oils
• Waxes
• beeswax

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Complementary Therapies (methods)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Honey
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Olive Oil
• Pilot Projects
• Plant Oils (therapeutic use)
• Probability
• Risk Assessment
• Tinea (diagnosis, therapy)
• Tinea Versicolor (diagnosis, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Waxes (therapeutic use)