From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis is treated with oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole 100 mg daily for 15 days, which has been shown to be superior to griseofulvin in achieving a mycological cure rate of 87%. The treatment of tinea corporis involves the use of antifungal medications, which can be either topical or oral, depending on the severity of the infection.
Key Considerations
- For mild to moderate cases, topical antifungal creams may be sufficient, but for more severe or extensive infections, oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine are necessary 1.
- The choice of antifungal medication depends on the causative fungus, with terbinafine appearing superior for Trichophyton tonsurans infections 1.
- Treatment should be continued for at least one week after the rash resolves to prevent recurrence.
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry is essential, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments.
- Avoiding skin-to-skin contact and not sharing personal items like towels or clothing can help prevent the spread of the infection 1.
Treatment Options
- Itraconazole 100 mg daily for 15 days has been shown to be effective in achieving a mycological cure rate of 87% 1.
- Terbinafine 250 mg daily for 2-4 weeks may also be used, especially for Trichophyton tonsurans infections.
- Griseofulvin 500 mg daily for 15 days is an alternative option, but it has been shown to be less effective than itraconazole 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... Representative treatment periods are ... tinea corporis, 2 to 4 weeks; Adults: Daily administration of 375 mg (as a single dose or in divided doses) will give a satisfactory response in most patients with tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea capitis Pediatric Use: Approximately 7.3 mg per kg of body weight per day of ultramicrosize griseofulvin is an effective dose for most pediatric patients.
The treatment for tinea corporis is griseofulvin (PO), with a daily administration of 375 mg for adults, and approximately 7.3 mg per kg of body weight per day for pediatric patients, for a treatment period of 2 to 4 weeks 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Tinea Corporis
- Topical antifungal agents are the primary treatment for tinea corporis, with options including azoles, allylamines, and benzylamines 3, 4.
- The choice of antifungal agent depends on the severity of the infection, the presence of inflammation, and the potential for resistance to treatment 3.
- Topical therapy is generally successful unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy, in which case systemic therapy may be required 3.
Systemic Treatment
- Systemic antifungal agents, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine, may be necessary for more severe or extensive infections 5, 6.
- Fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for 2-4 weeks is an efficacious and safe regimen in the treatment of tinea corporis 5.
- Terbinafine 250 mg daily for 1-2 weeks is also effective in treating tinea corporis 6.
Treatment Duration and Follow-up
- Treatment duration varies from one week to two months, but most studies recommend treatment for 2-4 weeks 4.
- Follow-up is necessary to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to monitor for potential adverse effects 4.