From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for ringworm (tinea corporis) in wrestlers is oral terbinafine 250 mg daily for 2-4 weeks, or alternatively itraconazole 100 mg daily for 1-2 weeks, as these have proven efficacious in treating most cases of T corporis 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality studies. In this case, a study from 2017 found that itraconazole, 100 mg, given orally once a day, was superior to griseofulvin, 500 mg, orally, once a day, when given for 15 days, with an 87% mycological cure rate versus 57%, respectively, at the end of 2 weeks after completion of therapy 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment and prevention of ringworm in wrestlers include:
- Wrestlers should be withheld from competition until at least 72 hours after starting treatment, with some athletic organizations requiring complete resolution of lesions before return
- Good hygiene practices are essential, including daily showering with antimicrobial soap immediately after practice, washing workout clothes and towels in hot water, disinfecting mats with approved cleaners, and avoiding sharing personal items
- Ringworm is highly contagious in wrestling environments due to the skin-to-skin contact and shared equipment, making aggressive treatment necessary to prevent outbreaks
- The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why proper hygiene and environmental cleaning are crucial components of both treatment and prevention
- Topical therapy options include clotrimazole 1%, miconazole 2%, or terbinafine 1% cream applied twice daily for 2-4 weeks, but oral therapy is typically preferred due to the high-contact nature of the sport.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) • cures most jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis) • relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions The recommended treatment for ringworm (tinea corporis) in wrestlers is terbinafine (TOP), as it cures most cases of ringworm (tinea corporis) 2.
- Key points:
- Terbinafine (TOP) is effective against ringworm (tinea corporis)
- It relieves symptoms such as itching, burning, cracking, and scaling Alternatively, griseofulvin (PO) can be used, with a treatment period of 2 to 4 weeks for tinea corporis 3.
- Important considerations:
- Accurate diagnosis of the infecting organism is essential
- Medication must be continued until the infecting organism is completely eradicated
- General measures in regard to hygiene should be observed to control sources of infection or reinfection
From the Research
Ringworm Treatment for Wrestlers
- The recommended treatment for ringworm (tinea corporis) in wrestlers is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but some studies suggest the use of antifungal medications such as terbinafine and griseofulvin 4.
- A study comparing terbinafine and griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis found that terbinafine was effective in treating the infection with fewer recurrences 4.
- Another study discusses the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous infections in wrestlers, including ringworm, to prevent disqualification from practice or competition 5.
- The use of prophylactic medications to prevent recurrence of herpes simplex virus and reduce the incidence of dermatophyte infections in wrestlers is also supported by evidence 5.
- A guide for nurse practitioners on the diagnosis, treatment, and return to participation of high school wrestlers with skin infections, including ringworm, emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment, as well as the use of a return to participation guide 6.
Prevention and Diagnosis
- Prevention practices, such as good hygiene and immediate diagnosis, are crucial in reducing the incidence of ringworm infections in wrestlers 7.
- A study on the impact of ringworm infections in high school wrestlers in Pennsylvania found that most respondents believed ringworm was transmitted by personal contact or from contact with mats, and that preventive practices were used by 97% of schools 8.
- The clinical appearance of ringworm infections in wrestlers can be different from those in the general population, and testing methods may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis 5.