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. 2021 Oct;77(4):437-443.
doi: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.01.010. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Copper-impregnated socks: A novel therapeutic option for combating occupational dermatophytosis

Sukriti Baveja  1 , Chetan C Patil  2 , Surbhi Vashisht  3 , Deepak Vashisht  4 , Vikas Pathania  5 , Durga Tripathy  6 , Bhavni Oberoi  7
Affiliations

Copper-impregnated socks: A novel therapeutic option for combating occupational dermatophytosis

Sukriti Baveja et al. Med J Armed Forces India. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Operational and training requirements of soldiers necessitate prolonged use of occlusive footwear which makes them susceptible to Tinea pedis and affects their performance. This study assesses copper oxide-impregnated socks as a treatment modality in soldiers with Tinea pedis.

Methods: Three hundred serving soldiers with Tinea pedis were randomly divided in two groups of 150 cases each. One group was supplied with 02 pairs of polyester copper oxide-impregnated socks and the second group was treated with oral terbinafine 250mg /day for two weeks and topical terbinafine twice a day for three weeks. Five end points viz. scaling, erythema, fissuring, vesicular eruptions and itching were monitored using the visual analogue score (VAS) weekly for 03 weeks.

Results: Copper oxide socks helped in reducing all the end points as assessed by VAS. The group treated with terbinafine showed better response; however test socks were as efficacious as oral and topical terbinafine in controlling fissuring and vesiculation. Safety profile of the copper impregnated socks was comparable with the conventional treatment.

Conclusion: Copper-impregnated socks are effective and safe in treating Tinea pedis. They may also have prophylactic role in tinea pedis in susceptible serving soldiers deployed at remote locations in different terrain and weather conditions.

Keywords: Copper oxide; Socks; Soldiers; Tinea pedis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have none to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Group-wise distribution of clinical symptoms.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Site wise distribution of tenia lesions.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Clinical improvement following use of copper-oxide impregnated socks.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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