{"id":4375,"date":"2025-12-17T08:44:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T01:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.si.mahidol.ac.th\/department\/biochemistry\/?p=4375"},"modified":"2026-03-30T15:53:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T08:53:57","slug":"efficacy-safety-and-cost-effectiveness-of-zinc-oxide-nanoparticles-in-whitfields-spirit-solution-for-treating-superficial-fungal-foot-infections-a-randomized-controlled-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.si.mahidol.ac.th\/department\/biochemistry\/en\/efficacy-safety-and-cost-effectiveness-of-zinc-oxide-nanoparticles-in-whitfields-spirit-solution-for-treating-superficial-fungal-foot-infections-a-randomized-controlled-trial\/","title":{"rendered":"Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-effectiveness of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Whitfield’s Spirit Solution for Treating Superficial Fungal Foot Infections: A Randomized Controlled Trial"},"content":{"rendered":"
Charussri Leeyaphan, Primana Punnakitikashem<\/strong> , Bordeesuda Suiwongsa, Phojana Komesmuneeborirak, Piriyaporn Chongtrakool, Nattanichcha Kulthanachairojana, Pichaya Limphoka, Thrit Hutachoke, Phuwakorn Saengthong-Aram, Pantaree Kobkurkul, Supisara Wongdama, Bawonpak Pongkittilar, Lalita Matthapan, Chatisa Panyawong, Waranyoo Prasong, Akkarapong Plengpanich, Natsuda Kunwong, Kamonlatth Rodponthukwaji, Sumanas Bunyaratavej<\/p>\n Introduction: A novel antifungal formulation combining zinc oxide nanoparticles and Whitfield’s spirit solution (ZnO-WFs) was developed to enhance the treatment of superficial fungal foot infections.<\/p>\n Methods: This 8-week, randomized, double-blinded controlled trial compared the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of ZnO-WFs with those of Whitfield’s spirit solution (WFs) alone and a zinc oxide nanoparticle solution (ZnOs). Seventy of the 84 enrolled patients completed the trial.<\/p>\n Results: Patients treated with ZnO-WFs and WFs showed similar mycological cure rates, significantly outperforming ZnOs at the 4-week and 8-week evaluations (65.2% and 81.8% for ZnO-WFs and 66.7% and 83.3% for WFs, respectively, compared to 4.0% and 16.7% for ZnOs; P < 0.001). Particularly in nondermatophyte mold (NDM) infections, ZnO-WFs tended to have greater cure rates than WFs (90.0% vs 44.4% at 4 weeks, P = 0.057; 90.0% vs 55.6% at 8 weeks, P = 0.141). Patient satisfaction was equivalent across all groups. The cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that ZnO-WFs is a more economical option for managing NDM infections.<\/p>\n Conclusion: This study confirmed that both ZnO-WFs and WFs effectively treat superficial fungal foot infections. However, ZnO-WFs demonstrates a trend toward increased efficacy and lower cost per patient in managing NDM infections, suggesting a potential advantage over WFs in these specific cases.<\/p>\nAbstract<\/h2>\n