From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis is typically treated with oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole 100 mg daily for 15 days, which has been shown to be superior to griseofulvin with an 87% mycological cure rate 1. For mild to moderate cases, topical antifungal medications can be used as first-line therapy, but oral agents are often more effective. Some key points to consider when treating Tinea corporis include:
- The most common causes of Tinea corporis are Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes 1.
- Terbinafine appears to be superior for treating T tonsurans infections 1.
- Treatment should continue for at least one week after clinical improvement to prevent recurrence.
- Patients should keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid sharing personal items, and wash clothing and bedding regularly to prevent reinfection or spread to others.
- In cases of extensive, severe, or resistant infections, oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine 250 mg daily for 2-4 weeks or itraconazole 200 mg daily for 1-2 weeks may be necessary. It is essential to note that the choice of medication and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
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 medication used to treat Tinea corporis is griseofulvin (PO), as it is indicated for the treatment of dermatophyte infections of the skin, including Tinea corporis 2.
- Key points:
- Griseofulvin is effective against various species of fungi, including Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouinii, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
- Prior to therapy, a dermatophyte should be identified as responsible for the infection.
- Griseofulvin is not effective in treating bacterial infections, Candidiasis, or other non-dermatophyte infections.
From the Research
Tinea Corporis Medications
The following medications are used to treat Tinea corporis:
- Topical antifungal agents, such as azoles and allylamines, which are generally successful unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy 3
- Systemic therapy, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine, which may be required for extensive or resistant infections 4
- Oral antifungal agents, such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole, which have been shown to be effective in treating Tinea corporis 4, 5, 6
Treatment Duration and Effectiveness
- Treatment should continue for at least one week after clinical clearing of infection 3
- The effectiveness of antifungal agents can vary, with itraconazole being the most effective in some studies 6
- The choice of medication and treatment duration may depend on the extent of involvement, social situation, and availability of resources 5