From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Pediatric patients (older than 2 years): A dosage of 10 mg/kg daily is usually adequate Representative treatment periods are ... tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks;
- The treatment for a 3-year-old with ringworm (tinea corporis) in multiple parts of the body is griseofulvin (PO) with a dosage of 10 mg/kg daily.
- The treatment period for tinea corporis is typically 2 to 4 weeks.
- The dosage should be individualized, and concomitant use of appropriate topical agents may be required 1.
- It is essential to identify the infecting organism before initiating treatment and to continue medication until the infecting organism is completely eradicated 1.
From the Research
The treatment for a 3-year-old with ringworm in multiple parts of the body involves both topical and possibly oral antifungal medications, with terbinafine being a preferred option due to its efficacy and shorter treatment duration, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- For most cases, apply topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2% to all affected areas twice daily for 2-4 weeks.
- Continue application for at least one week after the rash resolves to prevent recurrence.
- For extensive infection involving multiple body parts, oral antifungal therapy may be necessary, with terbinafine being an alternative at 62.5 mg daily (for children 10-20 kg) or 125 mg daily (for children 20-40 kg) for 2-4 weeks, as shown in studies 3 and 2.
Additional Measures
- Keep the affected areas clean and dry.
- Use separate towels for the child.
- Wash bedding and clothing frequently in hot water.
- Check family members and pets for infection as ringworm is highly contagious.
Treatment Rationale
Treatment works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane formation or preventing cell division, effectively eliminating the dermatophyte infection that causes the characteristic ring-shaped, scaly rash, as explained in studies 4, 5, and 6.
Evidence Summary
The most recent and highest quality study 2 suggests that terbinafine is an effective treatment option for tinea corporis, with a shorter treatment duration compared to other antifungal medications. This is supported by other studies 3 and 6, which also highlight the importance of proper hygiene and prevention measures to prevent the spread of infection.