Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Interdigital candidiasis can affect the webbing of toes and any of the fingers. Cryotherapy is an effective alternative to more invasive techniques and can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively in an outpatient setting. Hence, under the light of above mentioned data, the present study was undertaken for assessing the therapeutic efficacy and safety of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy in treating interdigital candidiasis. Materials & methods: 20 patients with presence of interdigital candidiasis were enrolled. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy was administered with a hand held cryotherapy gun device by timed spot freeze technique. Two cycles were performed in each visit. This procedure was performed for every 2 weeks upto 3 sessions. All the patients were evaluated for therapeutic outcome by clinical examination and photographically. The clinical improvement was assessed. The results were tabulated by score. Grades of improvement were assessed by evaluating reduction in lesion severity. No response: No reduction in score, Mild response: <25% reduction in score, Moderate response: 25 % to <50% reduction in score, Good response: 50% to <75% reduction in score and Very good response >=75% reduction in score. Results: In 45 percent of the patients, the mean duration of disease was more than 3 months. Percentage reduction in the lesion assessment score at final follow-up was very good in 80 percent of the patients while it was good in 15 percent of the patients. Conclusion: Interdigital candidiasis is a fungal infection affecting the interdigital web spaces. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is effective in treating such patients.