From the Guidelines
Terbinafine cream is effective for ringworm, even if you don't feel any sensation or improvement, and you should continue using it as directed for the full treatment course. When using terbinafine cream for ringworm, it's normal not to feel any sensation or improvement immediately, as the medication works by gradually killing the fungus that causes the infection 1. The treatment typically involves applying the cream twice daily for 1-2 weeks, and it's essential to complete the full course to prevent recurrence. Visible improvement usually takes 1-2 weeks, with redness and itching decreasing first. If after 2 weeks of consistent use, you see no improvement, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider, as you might need oral medication or a different diagnosis 1. Some key points to keep in mind when using terbinafine cream for ringworm include:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry
- Avoiding sharing personal items
- Washing clothes and bedding regularly to prevent spreading the infection
- Terbinafine works by blocking the fungus's ability to produce ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, which effectively kills the fungus without you feeling the medication working 1. It's also important to note that terbinafine 1% cream has been used effectively to treat T cruris with a mycological cure rate of approximately 94% and is approved for children 12 years and older 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) • cures most jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis) • relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions The answer to whether terbinafine cream is effective for ringworm when there is no sensation or feeling of improvement cannot be directly determined from the provided information.
- Effectiveness is stated for curing most cases of ringworm (tinea corporis)
- However, the label does not explicitly address the scenario of no sensation or feeling of improvement 2
From the Research
Effectiveness of Terbinafine Cream for Ringworm (Tinea)
- The effectiveness of terbinafine cream for ringworm (tinea) has been studied in several clinical trials 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Terbinafine has been shown to be effective in treating superficial fungal infections, including tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and tinea capitis 3, 4.
- A study comparing terbinafine 1% cream with clotrimazole 1% cream for the treatment of tinea pedis found that terbinafine was more effective in achieving mycological cure and effective treatment 5.
- Another study comparing terbinafine cream with miconazole cream for the treatment of tinea pedis found that terbinafine was as effective as miconazole in achieving mycological cure and clinical efficacy 6.
Duration of Therapy and Efficacy
- The duration of therapy with terbinafine cream can vary depending on the severity and type of infection 3, 4.
- A study found that 1 week of terbinafine cream was more effective than 4 weeks of clotrimazole cream in treating tinea pedis 5.
- Another study found that 1 week of terbinafine cream was as effective as 4 weeks of miconazole cream in treating tinea pedis 6.
Limited Effectiveness in Certain Cases
- A recent study found that oral terbinafine had limited effectiveness in treating chronic and chronic relapsing tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea faciei in India 7.
- The study found that itraconazole was the most effective oral antifungal drug, followed by fluconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin 7.
Sensation or Feeling of Improvement
- The studies do not specifically address the issue of sensation or feeling of improvement when using terbinafine cream for ringworm (tinea) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, the studies suggest that terbinafine cream can be effective in achieving mycological cure and clinical efficacy, even if the patient does not experience a sensation or feeling of improvement 5, 6.