From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Prophylactic antifungals are not recommended after direct contact with a ringworm patient, as the risk of developing an infection is relatively low and good hygiene practices can prevent the spread of the disease. Instead, monitor your skin for signs of infection like red, itchy, circular rashes over the next 1-2 weeks. Good hygiene practices are your best preventive measure - wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact, launder any clothing or items that may have touched the infected area in hot water, and avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing. Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is contagious but requires direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated items to spread, and not everyone exposed will develop an infection.
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of oral antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, has been studied in various trials, including a randomized pragmatic trial published in 2020 1, which found limited effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of chronic and chronic relapsing dermatophytosis.
- However, these studies do not support the use of prophylactic antifungals in individuals who have come into contact with a ringworm patient, as the risk of developing an infection is relatively low.
- If you notice any suspicious skin changes, treat promptly with over-the-counter antifungal creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine, applying twice daily for 1-2 weeks.
Treatment Options
- Only seek prescription treatments if you develop symptoms that don't respond to over-the-counter options or if you have a compromised immune system that might put you at higher risk.
- In cases where treatment is necessary, itraconazole has been shown to be the most effective oral antifungal drug, followed by fluconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin 1.
- Griseofulvin remains the drug of choice in the treatment of tinea capitis, with a cure rate of 96% 2.