An open trial of clotrimazole plus hydrocortisone cream in the treatment of napkin dermatitis in general practice.

An open, non-comparative, multi-centre study was carried out in general practice to assess the effectiveness, acceptability and tolerability of a 1% clotrimazole plus 1% hydrocortisone cream in the treatment of 112 infants with napkin dermatitis. The cream was applied twice daily to the affected area for 7 days and treatment was extended to 14 days for those who failed to respond adequately. Assessments made of the severity of symptoms showed that there was significant improvement in erythema, irritation and pustulation in all but a few patients and an overall impression of clinical response made at the last patient visit indicated that 92% of the patients were considered to have been cured or markedly improved. Acceptability and tolerability were good. In 2 cases, parents reported adverse reactions of discomfort during application of the cream and in 1 of these cases treatment was withdrawn after 4 days.