Abstract: Objective To find the best schedule for tinea pedis treatment.Methods A total of 250 patients with tinea pedis were divided into five groups: group A (oral terbinafine combined with 1% topical bifonazole cream for 1 week),group B (oral terbinafine for 1 week combined with 1% topical bifonazole cream for 2 weeks),group C (oral terbinafine for 2 weeks combined with 1% topical bifonazole cream for 1 week),group D (oral terbinafine combined with 1% topical bifonazole cream for 2 weeks),and group E (only 1% topical bifonazole cream for 4 weeks).Efficacy and relapse rates were analysed at the end point,week 4,24,40,56 and week 72.Results By the end of week 24,40,56 and week 72,clinical effective rate in group A,B,C and D showed statistical difference with that in group E,while group D showed statistical difference with group A and B by the end of week 40,56 and week 72.At week 24,40,56 and week 72,microbiological cure rate in group A,B,C and D showed statistical difference with that in group E,while group D showed statistical difference with group A and B at week 56 and 72.At week 40,relapse rates in group A,B,C and D were statistically different from that in group E,while at week 56 and 72,group D showed statistical difference with group A and B.Conclusions Two-week treatment with oral terbinafine and 1% topical bifonazole cream has the best therapeutic effect and lowest relapse rate.

Key words: tinea pedis, terbinafine, bifonazole cream, treatment, relapse rate