From the Guidelines
Terbinafine cream is not the first-line treatment for intertrigo, especially when considering the most recent evidence is from 2004 and focuses on azoles and polyenes for candidal skin infections, including intertrigo 1. Intertrigo is a condition characterized by inflammation of the skin folds, creating an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth. The primary approach to managing intertrigo involves keeping the affected area dry and clean. When a fungal infection is suspected, particularly dermatophytes, terbinafine 1% cream could be considered as part of the treatment regimen, applied once or twice daily for 1-2 weeks. However, it's crucial to note that terbinafine is more effective against dermatophytes and less so against Candida, which is a common complicating factor in intertrigo. For a more comprehensive treatment plan, especially considering the potential presence of Candida, antifungal products with broader coverage such as clotrimazole or miconazole are preferred, as suggested by guidelines for treating candidiasis 1. Additionally, using barrier creams like zinc oxide can help protect the skin and facilitate healing. In cases where intertrigo does not improve with these measures or presents severely, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, as combination therapy including mild corticosteroids for inflammation or antibiotics for bacterial infection may be necessary. Key considerations in managing intertrigo include:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry
- Using antifungal products with broad coverage
- Considering the use of barrier creams
- Potential need for combination therapy in severe or unresponsive cases.
From the Research
Intertrigo and Terbinafine Cream
- Intertrigo is a type of fungal infection that occurs in the folds of the skin, and terbinafine cream is an antifungal medication that can be used to treat it.
- However, the provided studies do not specifically mention the use of terbinafine cream for intertrigo.
- The studies do show that terbinafine is effective against a variety of fungal infections, including dermatophyte infections, which can cause intertrigo 2, 3, 4.
- Topical terbinafine 1% formulations have been shown to be effective in treating tinea pedis, tinea corporis/cruris, cutaneous candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor, with mycological cure rates of over 80% 4, 5.
- Oral terbinafine has also been shown to be effective in treating fungal infections of the skin, with improvements in symptoms such as erythema, blistering, exudation, scaling, and pruritus 6.
- While the studies do not provide direct evidence for the use of terbinafine cream in intertrigo, they do suggest that terbinafine can be an effective treatment for fungal infections of the skin, which may include intertrigo 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy and Safety of Terbinafine
- The studies show that terbinafine is generally well tolerated, with adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances and minor skin rashes reported in a small percentage of patients 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Terbinafine has been shown to have a low potential for drug interactions, which makes it a safe choice for patients who are taking other medications 3, 4.
- The efficacy and safety of terbinafine make it a popular choice for the treatment of fungal infections, including those that may cause intertrigo 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.