From the Research
Tinea vesicular is best treated with topical antifungal medications, and the most recent and highest quality study recommends the use of topical antifungals such as terbinafine cream or butenafine cream 1. The treatment of tinea vesicular, also known as tinea corporis, typically involves the use of topical antifungal agents.
- The diagnosis of tinea corporis is usually clinical and should pose no problem to the physician provided the lesion is typical.
- However, many clinical variants of tinea corporis exist, rendering the diagnosis difficult especially with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids.
- The standard treatment of tinea corporis is with topical antifungals, and systemic antifungal treatment is indicated if the lesion is multiple, extensive, deep, recurrent, chronic, or unresponsive to topical antifungal treatment, or if the patient is immunodeficient.
- Topical antifungals such as terbinafine cream or butenafine cream are effective for the treatment of tinea corporis, and should be applied twice daily for 2-4 weeks 1. Some key points to consider when treating tinea vesicular include:
- The importance of continuing treatment even after the rash disappears to prevent recurrence.
- The use of preventive measures like using medicated soap or shampoo once or twice monthly to prevent recurrence, especially in warm, humid weather.
- The potential for tinea corporis to be confused with other skin conditions, such as eczema, and the need for a thorough diagnosis to ensure effective treatment.
- The availability of oral antifungal agents, such as fluconazole, for the treatment of widespread or resistant cases of tinea corporis 2.