From the Guidelines
Yes, there are effective over-the-counter treatment options for tinea corporis, including topical antifungal creams such as terbinafine 1% cream, butenafine, and clotrimazole. These medications have been shown to be effective in treating tinea corporis, with terbinafine 1% cream having a mycological cure rate of approximately 94% when applied daily for 1 week 1. Butenafine and clotrimazole are also effective over-the-counter alternatives, although butenafine is only approved for use in adults 1. When using these medications, it is essential to apply them to the affected area and about 2 cm beyond the border of the rash, twice daily for 2-4 weeks, even if symptoms improve sooner. Some key points to consider when using these medications include:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments
- Avoiding sharing towels, clothing, or personal items to prevent spreading the infection
- Completing the full treatment course to prevent recurrence If the rash covers a large area, involves the scalp or nails, or doesn't improve after 2 weeks of OTC treatment, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider as prescription-strength medications may be necessary.
From the FDA Drug Label
Clotrimazole is also available as a nonprescription item which is indicated for the topical treatment of the following dermal infections: tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis.
- Yes, there are effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options for tinea corporis, such as clotrimazole 2.
From the Research
Effective Over-the-Counter Options for Tinea Corporis
- There are several effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options for tinea corporis, including terbinafine 1% cream or solution 3, 4, 5.
- Terbinafine has been shown to be a highly effective short-duration therapy for dermatophytosis of the skin, with mycological cure rates ranging from 65% to 94% 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Other OTC options include clotrimazole 1% cream, although it may require a longer treatment duration than terbinafine 3.
- Ketoconazole 2% cream is also available, but it may be less effective than terbinafine 1% emulsion-gel 6.
Comparison of Treatment Options
- A study comparing terbinafine 1% cream with clotrimazole 1% cream found that terbinafine was more effective in terms of mycological cure and effective treatment 3.
- Another study comparing terbinafine 1% emulsion-gel with ketoconazole 2% cream found that terbinafine was significantly more effective in terms of clinical and mycological cure 6.
- Terbinafine 1% solution has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of tinea corporis or tinea cruris, with a mycological cure rate of 65% 5.
Safety and Tolerability
- Terbinafine 1% cream or solution has been shown to be well-tolerated, with few adverse reactions reported 3, 4, 5.
- The most common adverse reactions reported with terbinafine include itching, itching associated with erythema exacerbation, and contact dermatitis 4, 5.
- Ketoconazole 2% cream has also been reported to cause contact dermatitis-like side effects in some patients 6.