From the FDA Drug Label
▪ on the bottom or sides of the foot: apply twice a day (morning and night) for 2 weeks or as directed by a doctor. o for jock itch and ringworm: apply once a day (morning or night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. The duration of treatment for ringworm with terbinafine cream is 1 week or as directed by a doctor 1.
- The treatment should be applied once a day, either in the morning or at night.
- It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions for the treatment duration, as it may vary depending on the individual case.
From the Research
Terbinafine cream is typically used for 1 week when treating ringworm (tinea corporis), as evidenced by a study published in 1994 2, which showed that 1 week of terbinafine 1% cream was more effective than 4 weeks of clotrimazole 1% cream in treating tinea pedis.
Key Points to Consider
- Apply the cream to the affected area and surrounding skin once or twice daily as directed on the product label or by your healthcare provider.
- It's essential to continue using the medication for the full recommended duration, even if symptoms improve before treatment is complete, to ensure the fungal infection is fully eliminated.
- Terbinafine works by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which disrupts fungal cell membrane synthesis and kills the dermatophyte fungi causing ringworm.
- For severe or persistent infections, treatment may need to be extended beyond one week, and oral terbinafine might be recommended instead.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry during treatment, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.
- If symptoms don't improve after one week of treatment, consult a healthcare provider as you may need a different antifungal medication or have a condition other than ringworm.
Supporting Evidence
- A study published in 2014 3 compared the effects of topical antifungal treatments in tinea cruris and tinea corporis, and found that terbinafine was effective in achieving clinical cure.
- Another study published in 1996 4 compared the efficacy of terbinafine cream with miconazole cream in treating tinea pedis, and found that terbinafine cream for 1 week was as effective as miconazole cream for 4 weeks.
- The mechanism of action of terbinafine is supported by a study published in 1993 5, which explained that the topical allylamines, including terbinafine, produce higher cure rates and more rapid responses in dermatophyte infections than many of the older agents.