Tinea Corporis/Capitis

Patients with Tinea Corporis typically report an itchy, red rash on exposed skin (neck, trunk, arms, legs). A history of contact with infected animals, soil, or other people is common, with predisposing factors including heat, humidity, diabetes, or immunocompromised status. Individuals with tinea capitis (scalp infection) may also report similar dermatophyte infections elsewhere on the body. 

In Black skin, Tinea Cruris may present as darker patches (hyperpigmentation) with a red, raised border (erythematous), often in a ring shape with central clearing (annular configuration). Chronic cases may show lichenification, with thickened skin and peripheral scaling.

Topical Antifungal Therapy: For localized lesions, first-line therapy involves applying topical antifungals (e.g., clotrimazole 1%, terbinafine 1%) twice daily for 2–3 weeks.

Duration: Continue treatment for at least 1–2 weeks beyond symptom resolution to prevent recurrence.

Alternative Topical Agents: Other effective options include ketoconazole (2% cream), miconazole (2% cream), and naftifine (1–2% gel). Apply per label instructions, typically once or twice daily.

Oral Antifungal Therapy: For extensive, recurrent, or resistant cases, oral antifungals are often necessary.

Terbinafine: 250 mg daily for 2 weeks is typically effective.

Itraconazole: 100 mg daily for 2 weeks or 200 mg daily for 1 week, administered with food to enhance absorption.

Fluconazole: 150 mg once weekly or 50 mg daily for 2–4 weeks may be an option.

Griseofulvin: Often used if other antifungals are contraindicated; typical dosage is 500–1000 mg daily for 2–4 weeks.

Additional Care Recommendations: Educate patients on hygiene, including keeping the area dry and avoiding tight, non-breathable clothing to reduce moisture buildup.

In recurrent cases, evaluate and treat other potential fungal sources on the body (e.g., tinea pedis) to prevent reinfection.

In cases where contact with animals (e.g., cats, dogs) is a likely source, treat the animal if possible.

Tinea Capitis

• Griseofulvin 500 mg once daily for 8-12 weeks in adults.

• Griseofulvin 15-20 mg/kg once daily for 8-12 weeks in children.

• Add Whitfield’s ointment or miconazole twice daily topically for 4 weeks and after shaving. Continue treatment after 12 weeks if the infection has not cleared completely.

• Alternative: Terbinafine 250 mg once daily (children 15-20 kg: 62,5 mg, 20-40 kg:125 mg) once daily or itraconazole (100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily) for 4 to 8 weeks