DECONTAMINATION OF SHOE SOLES COLONIZED BY TRICHOPHYTON RUBRUM: EFFECT OF TERBINAFINE 1%

Introduction: Moisture, heat and maceration in shoes are factors that allow the survival of dermatophytes and the recurrence of foot dermatophytosis, especially onychomycosis. The aim of our study was to assess, in real-life situation, the efficacy of terbinafine 1% on shoe soles colonized by skin scales infected by T. Rubrum.

Study design: Four types of commercial shoe soles were tested: synthetic, silicone, wool and leather. Three samples of each type were tested: one untreated as a control, and the other two treated with terbinafine 1% (spray solution and cream). Samples of skin scales were taken from patients with T. Rubrum dermatophytosis proven by mycological examination (direct examination and culture).

Results: T. Rubrum colonies grew on all cultures from control insoles. Whereas the cultures from skin scales treated with terbinafine 1% (solution or spray) were all sterile after three weeks and remained sterile after at six weeks.

Conclusion: This study confirms the effecacy of terbinafine 1% (solution or cream) for the decontamination of insoles infected by T. Rubrum. A single application can sterilize the insoles in 48h.