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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffAntifungal medications approved for treating ringworm of the scalp include:
- Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg) is taken by mouth as a liquid or tablet. While taking the drug, your child may need to wear protective clothing and sunscreen outside, because griseofulvin may make your child's skin more sensitive to light. Common side effects include headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and faintness. If you're child is allergic to penicillin, he or she will likely be allergic to griseofulvin.
- Terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) is taken as a tablet or an oral granule medication that can be added to food or a beverage. Common side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain, rash, itching, hives, and changes in taste or loss of taste. There is a small risk of problems with liver function.
Your child may take one of these medications for six weeks or more.
You may not notice any changes in your child's condition right away, but your child still needs to continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor. You'll be instructed to continue treatment even after the condition clears.
References
- Goldstein AO, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
- Andrews MD, et al. Common tinea infections in children. American Family Physician. 2008;77:1415.
- Levy M, et al. Dermatophytes and other superficial fungi. In: Long S, et al., eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/226852420-3/1084137919/1679/259.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50258-7--cesec1_4588. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
- Ringworm and animals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
- Dermatophytes (ringworm). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/dermatophytes/. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
- Andrews RM, et al. Skin disorders, including pyoderma, scabies, and tinea infections. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:1421.
- Griseofulvin. National Center for Biotechnology Information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000641. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
- Terbinafine. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/lexicomp/terbinafine.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
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