What is the most effective treatment for tinea cruris?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 43-year-old male with recurring ringworm infections. This started about a year ago with small, itchy patches in the groin area, high on the inner thighs and pubic region. These patches would clear up with the use of Candid-B cream (containing Beclometasone and Clotrimazole) and Itraconazole capsules but would return 10 to 15 days after stopping the medications.

I have tried to maintain good personal hygiene, including changing my undergarments daily, but to no avail. Over time, the infection returns, with the patches becoming larger and leaving the skin discolored. I have also been prescribed Fluconazole. Could you recommend a treatment that would help eliminate it completely? I am currently taking Levothyroxine and Propranolol.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The recurrence of tinea is most often due to either incomplete treatment or the use of inappropriate medication, particularly combination creams that mix a topical steroid with a topical antifungal, such as creams containing Beclometasone and Clotrimazole or similar preparations. While topical steroid-antifungal combinations may provide quicker relief from itching, they can actually prolong the infection, leading to recurrence as soon as the treatment is stopped.

Instead, it is better to use a plain topical antifungal cream, such as Luliconazole or Sertaconazole, applied twice daily for five to six weeks, rather than a combination cream with steroids. Additionally, I suggest you consider a different oral antifungal, such as Terbinafine 250 mg once daily for five to six weeks. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with take the medicines with their consent.

For relief from itching, you may also take an oral antihistamine, like Cetirizine 10 mg, as needed for symptom relief.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.