From the Guidelines
Miconazole is not the preferred treatment for tinea corporis, as the most recent and highest quality study recommends oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine for effective treatment. The study published in Pediatrics in 2017 1 suggests that oral agents have proven efficacious in the treatment of most cases of tinea corporis, with itraconazole showing a superior mycological cure rate compared to griseofulvin.
Key Points to Consider
- The study found that itraconazole, 100 mg, given orally once a day, was superior to griseofulvin, 500 mg, orally, once a day, when given for 15 days, with an 87% mycological cure rate versus 57%, respectively, at the end of 2 weeks after completion of therapy.
- Terbinafine appears to be superior for treating T tonsurans, a common cause of tinea corporis.
- While miconazole is an antifungal medication, the provided study does not support its use as a first-line treatment for tinea corporis.
Treatment Recommendations
- For treatment of tinea corporis, consider using oral agents such as itraconazole or terbinafine, as they have shown higher efficacy rates compared to topical treatments.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment, especially if the infection is severe, covers a large area, or occurs on the scalp.
- Preventing the spread of infection by avoiding skin-to-skin contact, not sharing personal items, and keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial.
From the FDA Drug Label
Principal Display Panel TopCare Miconazorb AF ANTIFUNGAL POWDER MICONAZOLE NITRATE 2%/ ANTIFUNGAL Cures Most Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch & Ringworm Relieves Itching, Burning, Scaling & Chafing Comforts & Refreshes Absorbs Moisture Talc-Free NET WT 2.5 OZ (71 g)
- Miconazole is effective for treating tinea corporis (ringworm), as stated on the drug label.
- The label explicitly mentions that miconazole cures most cases of ringworm.
- This information is directly from the drug label of miconazole (TOP) 2.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Miconazole for Treating Tinea Corporis
- The provided studies do not directly assess the effectiveness of miconazole for treating tinea corporis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, one study compares the effectiveness of various antifungal treatments, including terbinafine, naftifine, and clotrimazole, for tinea corporis and tinea cruris, but does not mention miconazole 3.
- Another study discusses the use of terbinafine for superficial mycoses, including tinea corporis, and compares its effectiveness to other antifungal agents, but does not include miconazole in the comparison 4.
- A study on oral candidiasis mentions miconazole as a commonly used topical antifungal drug, but its effectiveness for tinea corporis is not discussed 5.
- Two studies evaluate the effectiveness of oral antifungal drugs, including fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine, for treating tinea infections, but do not include miconazole in the evaluation 6, 7.
Alternative Treatments for Tinea Corporis
- Terbinafine, naftifine, and clotrimazole are mentioned as effective treatments for tinea corporis in some studies 3, 4.
- Itraconazole is also found to be effective in treating tinea infections, including tinea corporis, in other studies 6, 7.
- The effectiveness of these alternative treatments may vary depending on the specific study and the population being treated.