Ringworm of the scalp and Terbinafine

I am in sports and contracted ringworm on the scalp. After trying topical and herbal remedies...I was prescribed Terbinafine. Very small ringworm areas in 3 spots, no hair loss.

A) How long is the dosage length for mild scalp ringworm? (I have seen everything from one week to 6.)

B) Since alcohol is a no-no with this drug, for how long after stopping the dosage should I avoid alcohol?

C) Should the atkins diet be avoided while on Terbinafine?

Thanks so much, and your site has some of the best answers I've seen to date!


This discussion is related to Ringworm Treatment.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Only your doctor can answer the duration of treatment and dosage part as that would be decided after a clinical evaluation depending on the severity and extent of the lesions.

Advice often given to prevent ringworm includes:

* Avoidance of sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets.
* Washing clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap after suspected exposure to ringworm.
* Avoidance of walking barefoot, wearing of appropriate protective shoes to the beach and flip-flops/thongs in locker rooms.
* After being exposed to places where the potential of being infected is great , washing with an antibacterial and anti-fungal soap or one that contains Tea Tree Oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol.

The treatment options include - Topical antifungal agents such as terbinafine 1% cream (Lamasil) applied twice daily until symptoms resolve (usually 1-2 weeks). Terbinifine is not recommended for children < 2 years old or anyone with impaired hepatic function.

Systemically with oral medications, especially for scalp ring worm, or infection of the finger nails or toe nails.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.