What is the recommended treatment for skin ringworm (tinea corporis)?

From the Guidelines

The recommended treatment for skin ringworm (tinea corporis) is oral itraconazole, 100 mg, given once a day for 15 days, which has shown a superior mycological cure rate of 87% compared to other treatments. This treatment option is supported by a study published in the journal Pediatrics 1, which found that itraconazole was more effective than griseofulvin in treating tinea corporis.

Key Considerations

• The treatment should be chosen based on the severity and extent of the infection, as well as the patient's medical history and potential interactions with other medications.
• In addition to oral antifungal medication, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with others, and not sharing personal items like towels or clothing.
• The affected area should be covered to prevent spread, and bedding and clothes should be washed in hot water to prevent reinfection.

Alternative Treatment Options

• For less severe cases, topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole 1% or terbinafine 1% may be effective, but oral itraconazole is generally preferred for its higher cure rate.
• Terbinafine appears to be superior for treating T tonsurans infections, but itraconazole is a more broadly effective treatment option for tinea corporis.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Skin Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

The recommended treatment for skin ringworm (tinea corporis) includes:

• Oral antifungal agents such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine 2
• Topical antifungal agents, although systemic therapy is sometimes necessary for effective treatment 2
• The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection, as well as the patient's medical history and age

Effectiveness of Oral Antifungal Agents

Studies have shown that:

• Fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine are effective in treating tinea corporis, with cure rates ranging from 42% to 66% 3
• Itraconazole is the most effective oral antifungal agent, followed by fluconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin 3
• The effectiveness of these agents may vary depending on the specific strain of the fungus and the patient's individual response to treatment 3

Treatment Duration and Dosage

The treatment duration and dosage for skin ringworm (tinea corporis) vary depending on the oral antifungal agent used:

• Fluconazole: 50-100 mg daily for 2-3 weeks or 150 mg once weekly for 2-3 weeks 2
• Itraconazole: 100 mg daily for 2 weeks or 200 mg daily for 7 days 2
• Terbinafine: 250 mg daily for 1-2 weeks 2
• Griseofulvin: 10 mg/kg/day for 6-8 weeks 4