Topical antifungal treatments are the first-line therapy for ringworm, which is most commonly caused by the dermatophyte fungus T. rubrum, which is the same organism that causes jock itch and athlete’s foot. Topical allylamine creams tend to have higher cure rates than other anti-fungals.
First-line recommendations:
Butenafine: Allylamine anti-fungal. Apply 1% cream topically twice daily for 2 weeks. Lotrimin Ultra Ringworm Cream (FDA NDA 21307).
Terbinafine: Allylamine anti-fungal. Apply 1% cream topically once or twice daily for 1–2 weeks. Packaging may say athlete’s foot but ringworm is treated with the same antifungal agents. Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1% (FDA NDA 21958).
Prescription medications:
For widespread or resistant infections, oral antifungals like terbinafine or itraconazole may be necessary.
Citations:
Ely, J. W., Rosenfeld, S., & Stone, M. S. (2014). Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. American family physician, 90(10), 702-711.
