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Author Affiliations: Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Sabzghabaee AM, Eizadi-Mood N); Department of Pediatrics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Nili F); Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Ghannadi A); Staff Pharmacist, Valiasr Pediatric Hospital, Tehran, Iran (Anvari M)
Corresponding Author: Nastaran Eizadi-Mood, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Email: izadi@med.mui.ac.ir)
doi: 10.1007/s12519-011-0253-0
Background: The antibacterial, antifungal and probable anti-inflammatory effects of menthol were evaluated in the treatment of napkin dermatitis (ND).
Methods: A pilot clinical trial was conducted in Iran at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Eligible neonates with a diagnosis of candidial ND who did not require critical care or systematic antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs were included in the study. Overall, 84 patients were randomly allocated into two groups: menthol group (n=42) receiving standard therapy (topical clotrimazole) plus menthol drops applied topically and control group (n=42) receiving standard therapy plus a placebo. Thirty-five neonates in each group finished the course of study and were analyzed for skin rash using Munz and Concannon rash scoring methods before therapy and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after the treatments.
Results: Demographic data and the baseline total skin rash score were not significantly different between the menthol and control groups. The total course of therapy for complete healing was found to be shorter in the menthol group (4.3¡À1.6 vs. 6.9¡À1.8 days, P=0.0001) and erythema and pustules had a significant (P=0.0001) relief in this group. During the study no severe adverse effects of the drug were observed.
Conclusion: Topical application of menthol may be effective in treatment of candidial ND.
Key words: clinical trial; menthol; napkin dermatitis
World J Pediatr 2011;7(2):167-170
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