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What daily hygiene routine helps prevent relapse?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from dhadhar (skin infection), also called ringworm, for two months. I was taking Terbinafine medicine and was also applying Terbinafine cream on that. Though it has not been cured till now, I suggest a prescription to cure it and a daily routine.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Nancy

Education:

MBBS, MD DERMATOLOGY

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nancy | MD Dermatologist Passionate about healthy skin Aesthetic & clinical care

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on your history, this appears to be chronic or treatment-resistant tinea (dhadhar/ringworm), which is common when infection is extensive, reinfected, or partially treated. If Terbinafine (oral topical) for an adequate duration has not cleared it in two months, the usual next step is to re-evaluate the diagnosis and change systemic therapy. I

Ideally, a KOH (potassium hydroxide) scraping or fungal culture should be done to confirm dermatophyte infection and rule out steroid-modified tinea. In practice, many dermatologists switch to oral Itraconazole for an adequate continuous course (often preferred now due to increasing Terbinafine resistance), along with a topical antifungal from a different class, such as Luliconazole, Sertaconazole, or Ketoconazole, applied twice daily for at least three to four weeks and continued two weeks beyond clinical clearance.

Avoid any combination creams containing steroids, as they worsen chronicity. A daily routine is equally important:

  1. Keep the area dry.

  2. Bathe once daily and dry thoroughly (especially groin/inner thighs).

  3. Change sweaty clothes immediately.

  4. Wear loose cotton clothing.

  5. Do not reuse towels or innerwear without washing.

  6. Wash clothes in hot water and sun-dry.

  7. Avoid scratching, and treat close contacts if they have lesions.

If lesions are widespread, recurrent, or not responding even after an Itraconazole course, a dermatologist consultation is essential for confirmation and liver function monitoring.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Nancy
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 27, 2026
Reviewed At March 3, 2026

Education:

MBBS, MD DERMATOLOGY

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nancy | MD Dermatologist Passionate about healthy skin Aesthetic & clinical care

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Habit Routine Builder

Ringworm Hygiene Routine Builder

How it works

Chronic ringworm can be persistent, but a consistent routine and proper treatment can help prevent relapse.

1

Understand
Ringworm

2

Confirm
Diagnosis

3

Treatment
Options

4

Avoiding
Steroid

5

Daily
Hygiene

6

Prevent
Relapse

When to consult a dermatologist

If your ringworm is widespread, keeps coming back, or doesn't improve after a course of Itraconazole, a dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and monitor your liver function if needed.

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS, MD DERMATOLOGY

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nancy | MD Dermatologist Passionate about healthy skin Aesthetic & clinical care

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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