WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR TINEA VERSICOLOR (TINIA CORPORIS, RINGWORM)?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. Terbinafine 1%* {OTC} (Lamisil) cream 2 x/ day at least 7 to 10 days after lesions disappear, typically at about 2 to 3 weeks.
2. Naftifine 1% gel * (Naftin)
3. Butenafine 1% * (Lotrimin Ultra)4. miconazole 2% *
5. clotrimazole 1% * Lotrimin
6. econazole 1% *
7. ketoconazole 2% *
8. luliconazole 1% *
9. tonaftate 1%*
10. ciclopriox topical 0.77% *
Shampoo:
1. Selenium Sulfide Shampoo 2.5% {OTC} (Selsun Blue) applied to the skin (in 10-minute applications daily for 1 week or 24-hour applications weekly for 1 month);7. Zinc Pyrithione Soap 2% OTC (can be bought on Amazon)
OR
2. Sulfur-Salicylic Shampoo 2% OTC (can be bought on Amazon); applied to the skin for 1 to 2 weeks.
Oral Medications:
1. terbinafine *
2. itraconazole *
3. griseofulvin microsize *
9. Fluconazole {RX} (Diflucan) 150 mg/week orally for 2 to 4 weeks is indicated for patients with extensive disease and those with frequent recurrences.
CAUTION:
1. Vitiligo often times looks very similar to Tinea Versicolor. However, the treatment of Vitiligo is completely different than Tinea Versicolor.
2. Fluconazole (Diflucan) has a possible side effect of prolonging a particular part of the electrical signal to the heart, called the Q-T segment. This prolonged Q-T segment can, in some rare circumstances, cause ventricular fibrillation of the heart, basically a heart attack.
3. All medications, including all lotions, creams, and ointments have a risk of side effects.
4. When starting new creams and lotions always try the cream or lotion on a small skin area first.
5. Possible mild side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
6. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), a Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff), or an irregular electrical heart beat, leading to heart attack.
7. If an oral anti-viral medication is used for a Herpes Infection, a lower dose is needed for a person who has reduced kidney function.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TINEA VERSICOLOR (TINIA CORPORIS, RINGWORM)?
Tinea Versicolor (Tinea Corporis, Ringworm) usually appears as one or two red rings with a clear central area. The rings are red and raised. It typically appears on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs, and It is also itchy.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF TINEA VERSICOLOR (TINIA CORPORIS, RINGWORM)?
The primary cause of Tiinea Versicolor is Malassezia Furfur (a specific type of fungus). This fungus is usually on everyones’ body, but it only causes skin discoloration in some people. The lightened skin is due to Malassezia Furfur inhibiting Tyrosinase (an enzyme that is necessary for the production of Melatonin). The production of Melatonin in skin gives skin its color.
HOW IS TINEA VERSICOLOR (TINIA CORPORIS, RINGWORM) DIAGNOSED?
TINEA VERSICOLOR (TINIA CORPORIS, RINGWORM) can be diagnosed with a careful history and a visual inspection of the skin. If there is doubt of the diagnosis, a scraping can be taken of the effected skin, a little potassium hydroxide can be mixed with a little skin, and the mixtures can be examined under the microscope for a particular type of cells, which if present means the person has a fungus growth.