What is the recommended treatment for Tinea corporis in children?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 8, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The recommended treatment for Tinea corporis in children is oral antifungal medication, with itraconazole being a superior option, given orally at 100 mg once a day for 15 days, as it has shown an 87% mycological cure rate. When considering treatment options, it's essential to note that Tinea corporis infections have been reported more frequently among high school wrestlers and judo practitioners, highlighting the importance of preventive measures such as avoiding skin-to-skin contact and not sharing personal items like towels 1.

  • Key considerations for treatment include:
    • The causative agent, with Trichophyton tonsurans being the most common cause of Tinea capitis gladiatorum, but also potentially causing Tinea corporis
    • The use of oral agents, such as itraconazole, which has proven efficacious in the treatment of most cases of Tinea corporis
    • The potential for terbinafine to be superior for T tonsurans infections, although the specific context of Tinea corporis in children may require alternative treatments 1
  • In terms of prevention, measures such as covering lesions, not sharing towels, and limiting exposure to swimming pools that have recently been associated with known outbreaks can help reduce the risk of transmission 1.
  • It's crucial to prioritize treatment approaches that minimize morbidity, mortality, and impact on quality of life, particularly in pediatric patients, where the potential for long-term effects and complications must be carefully considered.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks; ... Pediatric Use: Approximately 7.3 mg per kg of body weight per day of ultramicrosize griseofulvin is an effective dose for most pediatric patients.

On this basis, the following dosage schedule is suggested: 16 to 27 kg: 125 mg to 187.5 mg daily. Over 27 kg: 187. 5 mg to 375 mg daily Children and infants 2 years of age and younger – dosage has not been established.

The recommended treatment for Tinea corporis in children is griseofulvin (PO) with a dosage of approximately 7.3 mg per kg of body weight per day. The treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks. The suggested dosage schedule is:

  • 16 to 27 kg: 125 mg to 187.5 mg daily
  • Over 27 kg: 187.5 mg to 375 mg daily However, the dosage for children 2 years of age and younger has not been established 2.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Tinea Corporis in Children

The recommended treatment for Tinea corporis in children typically involves the use of antifungal agents. The following are some key points to consider:

  • Topical application of antifungal agents is considered the treatment of choice for dermatomycoses, including Tinea corporis 3.
  • Terbinafine is a synthetic antifungal agent that has been shown to be effective in treating Tinea corporis in children, with high cure rates and low relapse rates after short periods of treatment 3, 4.
  • The efficacy of terbinafine in treating Tinea corporis has been demonstrated in several studies, with cure rates ranging from 80-90% 3, 4.

Key Findings

Some key findings related to the treatment of Tinea corporis in children include:

  • A study published in 1997 found that terbinafine 1% cream was effective in treating Tinea corporis in children, with a cure rate of 92.0% 3.
  • Another study published in 1999 found that oral terbinafine was effective in treating superficial dermatophyte infections, including Tinea corporis, with a cure rate of over 80% 4.
  • While most of the evidence focuses on Tinea capitis, the principles of treatment can be applied to Tinea corporis, suggesting that terbinafine and other antifungal agents may be effective in treating this condition as well 5, 6, 7.

Considerations

When considering treatment options for Tinea corporis in children, the following points should be taken into account:

  • The choice of treatment should be based on the severity of the infection, the age and weight of the child, and any potential allergies or sensitivities to antifungal agents.
  • Topical treatments are generally preferred for mild to moderate infections, while oral antifungal agents may be necessary for more severe cases.
  • The treatment regimen should be individualized to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.