From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis (ringworm) of the leg is treated with oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole 100 mg once a day for 15 days, which has shown a superior mycological cure rate of 87% compared to other treatments 1. When treating tinea corporis of the leg, it is essential to consider the causative agent, with Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes being common causes.
- Oral agents, such as itraconazole, have proven efficacious in the treatment of most cases of T corporis, with a study showing that itraconazole 100 mg once a day for 15 days was superior to griseofulvin 500 mg once a day for 15 days 1.
- Terbinafine appears to be superior for T tonsurans, but the specific dosage and duration for tinea corporis of the leg are not specified in the provided evidence.
- To prevent the spread of the infection, it is crucial to avoid skin-to-skin contact with people known to have lesions, not share towels and other fomites, and limit exposure to swimming pools that have recently been associated with known outbreaks 1.
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and wearing loose-fitting clothes can also help reduce moisture and friction, promoting a faster recovery.
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 Directions • adults and children 12 years and older o use the tip of the cap to break the seal and open the tube o wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying o for jock itch and ringworm: apply once a day (morning or night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. The treatment for tinea corporis (ringworm) of the leg is applying terbinafine (TOP) once a day for 1 week or as directed by a doctor 2 2.
- Key points:
- Apply terbinafine (TOP) to the affected area
- Wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying
- Apply once a day for 1 week or as directed by a doctor
From the Research
Treatment for Tinea Corporis (Ringworm) of the Leg
The treatment for tinea corporis (ringworm) of the leg typically involves the use of antifungal agents. The following are some key points to consider:
- Topical therapy is generally successful 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.
- The presence of inflammation may necessitate the use of an agent with inherent anti-inflammatory properties or the use of a combination antifungal/steroid agent 3.
Antifungal Agents
Some common antifungal agents used to treat tinea corporis include:
- Terbinafine: a synthetic allylamine antifungal which has been shown to be fungicidal against dermatophytes and a number of yeasts and moulds 4.
- Clotrimazole: an azole antifungal which has been shown to be effective in treating tinea pedis 4.
- Naftifine: an allylamine antifungal which has been shown to be effective in achieving mycological and clinical cure 5.
- Azoles: a class of antifungal agents which have been shown to be effective in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris 5.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of treatment for tinea corporis can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the antifungal agent used. Some common treatment durations include:
- 1-2 weeks for terbinafine 3, 6.
- 2-4 weeks for azoles 5.
- 2-3 weeks for fluconazole 6.
- 1-2 weeks for itraconazole 6.
Oral Therapy
Oral therapy may be necessary for extensive or chronic infections, or where application of a topical is not feasible 6, 7. Some common oral antifungal agents used to treat tinea corporis include:
- Fluconazole: an azole antifungal which has been shown to be effective in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris 6.
- Itraconazole: an azole antifungal which has been shown to be effective in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris 6.
- Terbinafine: an allylamine antifungal which has been shown to be effective in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris 6.