From the Guidelines
Oral diflucan (fluconazole) should be prescribed at a dose of 200–400 mg (3–6 mg/kg) daily for 14–21 days for the treatment of intertrigo. This recommendation is based on the strong recommendation and high-quality evidence from the 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The dosing regimen may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.
When treating intertrigo with oral fluconazole, it is essential to consider the potential interactions with other medications, such as anticoagulants, oral hypoglycemics, and statins. Patients should be monitored for common side effects, including headache, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
To optimize treatment outcomes, oral antifungal therapy should be combined with good skin hygiene practices, including:
- Keeping the affected areas clean and dry
- Using absorbent powders
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction and moisture
- Avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers that can irritate the skin
It is crucial to note that the treatment regimen may need to be adjusted if the patient does not respond to fluconazole or if they experience adverse effects. In such cases, alternative antifungal agents, such as itraconazole or voriconazole, may be considered 1. However, the primary treatment approach for intertrigo should prioritize oral fluconazole due to its efficacy and safety profile.
From the Research
Oral Diflucan Dosing for Intertrigo
- Intertrigo is a common inflammatory skin disorder caused by skin-on-skin friction in skin folds, due to moisture becoming trapped because of poor air circulation 2.
- The treatment of intertrigo may involve the use of oral antifungal agents, such as fluconazole, in cases of secondary fungal infection.
- According to a study on the treatment of tinea corporis and cruris, once-weekly oral doses of fluconazole 150 mg were effective in achieving clinical cure in 92% of patients 3.
- Another study reviewed the effectiveness of oral antifungal agents, including fluconazole, in the treatment of common superficial fungal infections of the skin, and found that 50 to 100 mg fluconazole daily or 150 mg once weekly for 2 to 3 weeks was effective in treating tinea corporis and cruris 4.
- The optimal dosing of fluconazole for intertrigo is not explicitly stated in the available evidence, but based on the treatment of similar fungal infections, a dose of 150 mg once weekly for 2 to 3 weeks may be considered 3, 4.
- It is essential to note that the quality of evidence on which to determine the strength of any recommendations for practice remains low, and there is a need for well-designed studies to test proposed interventions and build a robust evidence base 2.