From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis is typically treated with oral antifungal medications, with itraconazole 100 mg given orally once a day for 15 days being a superior option, achieving an 87% mycological cure rate, as compared to other treatments 1. When considering treatment options for tinea corporis, it is essential to prioritize the most effective and recent evidence-based treatments.
- The treatment approach may vary depending on the severity and extent of the infection, as well as the causative fungal species.
- Oral agents, such as itraconazole, have proven efficacious in the treatment of most cases of tinea corporis, with a study demonstrating its superiority over griseofulvin in achieving mycological cure rates 1.
- Terbinafine also appears to be a superior option for treating T tonsurans infections, which are commonly associated with tinea corporis 1.
- In addition to pharmacological treatment, preventive measures such as avoiding skin-to-skin contact with individuals known to have lesions, not sharing towels and other fomites, and limiting exposure to swimming pools that have recently been associated with known outbreaks can help reduce the risk of transmission 1.
- It is crucial to note that the treatment regimen should be tailored to the individual patient's needs, taking into account factors such as the severity of the infection, potential drug interactions, and patient comorbidities.
- Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to monitor the response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent recurrence.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Representative treatment periods are ... tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks; Adults: 0. 5 g daily (125 mg four times a day, 250 mg twice a day, or 500 mg/day). Pediatric patients (older than 2 years): A dosage of 10 mg/kg daily is usually adequate Clinical relapse will occur if the medication is not continued until the infecting organism is eradicated. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Griseofulvin oral suspension, USP is indicated for the treatment of dermatophyte infections of the skin not adequately treated by topical therapy, hair and nails, namely: Tinea corporis
The treatment for tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) is griseofulvin (PO), with a treatment period of 2 to 4 weeks. The recommended dosage is:
From the Research
Treatment Options for Tinea Corporis
- Topical therapy is generally successful for tinea corporis unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy 3
- Treatment requires attention to exacerbating factors such as skin moisture and choosing an appropriate antifungal agent 3
- Tinea corporis infections are usually treated for two weeks 3
- Newer medications require fewer applications and a shorter duration of use 3
Antifungal Agents
- Azole and allylamine medications are effective in treating tinea corporis 3, 4
- Terbinafine is effective in treating tinea corporis and can be used for a shorter duration of 1-2 weeks 4, 5
- Itraconazole and fluconazole can also be used to treat tinea corporis, but may require a longer duration of treatment 6, 4
Duration and Application of Treatment
- Treatment should continue for at least one week after clinical clearing of infection 3
- Once or twice daily application of topical antifungal agents may be required, with a common duration of therapy being 2-4 weeks 7
- A 7-day once-daily course of terbinafine 1% cream can be effective in achieving and maintaining mycological cure 5