Treatment of Tinea Corporis

Introduction to Treatment

• The British Association of Dermatologists recommends itraconazole for tinea capitis at 5 mg/kg/day for 2-4 weeks, although specific recommendations for tinea corporis in children are not provided 2

Pharmacology and Administration

• The capsule formulation of itraconazole is best absorbed when taken with food 1
• Agents that decrease stomach acidity should be avoided as they may reduce itraconazole absorption 1

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

• Potential interactions with warfarin, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, digoxin, and statins should be considered when prescribing itraconazole 2

Treatment Failure and Alternative Therapies

• If initial therapy fails, consider increasing the dose to 200 mg twice daily, switching to terbinafine, or checking for compliance issues or suboptimal absorption 2

Special Populations

• Immunocompromised patients may require longer duration of therapy or higher doses of itraconazole, although specific guidelines are not provided 2