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In the South Pacific, treatment of lesions of the tinea group with ethyl chloride has given uniformly excellent results. There are no contraindications to its use, even though the lesions may be covered by pustular eruptions due to secondary infections. The length of treatment depends solely on the age of the infection and not on the area it covers. All of it must be treated at one sitting. No other drug or dye should be used in conjunction with ethyl chloride; fungicides in ointment bases definitely retard healing.
Ethyl chloride is easily applied and, except for surfaces which are closely covered (the foot), requires no bandages. The drug quiets the intense reaction with the second or third application, produces no sensitization dermatitis and aids natural responses toward healing. The inflammation and pain associated with tinea lesions of the fingers, which make it difficult to flex the fingers, both disappear after