Managing Ringworm Treatment: Understanding Duration of Systemic Medication
I am a 30-year-old woman, standing at 160cm and weighing 60kg, residing in Sweden. For the past 1.5 years, I have been dealing with a persistent case of ringworm affecting both of my hands, including the palms, backs, and spaces between my fingers. My physician initially prescribed a course of 250mg terbinafine daily for four weeks. Afterward, I was advised to continue the treatment for an additional two weeks, even after my symptoms had improved. However, when I sought to extend the treatment period, another doctor claimed that a four-week course was sufficient, without examining my hands at all. This healthcare provider, who had previously misdiagnosed my condition as eczema, recommended I continue using a potent cortisone cream (class 3) and return if my symptoms persisted. He highlighted that the doctor who started my oral terbinafine treatment had indicated a suspected fungal infection. With this background, I am curious about the accepted guidelines regarding the cessation of oral terbinafine. Should I stop taking it once all symptoms have resolved, or is it standard practice to continue for an additional two weeks afterward? It has been 1.5 weeks since my four-week treatment concluded, and I still have a slight rash. If I must pause treatment for another 2.5 to 3 weeks, how much longer should I expect my treatment to be extended upon resuming?
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 6:20:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging case of ringworm, and it’s understandable to seek clarity on your treatment plan. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and some guidance moving forward.
Main Points:
- Oral terbinafine treatment usually lasts for about 4 weeks, and it’s common practice to continue for an additional two weeks once symptoms improve.
- Your slight rash after treatment could suggest that the fungal infection may not be fully cleared.
- Monitoring your symptoms and follow-up care are vital in managing your condition effectively.
Explanation: Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that is typically prescribed for conditions like ringworm. Guidelines from dermatology experts suggest that after completing a full course (usually 4-6 weeks), it's advisable to continue treatment for an additional two weeks for optimal results, especially if symptoms have not fully resolved. Continuing with treatment helps ensure that any remaining fungal elements are eliminated and reduces the chances of recurrence.
Since you are still experiencing a slight rash after your initial course, this indicates that the infection may still be present, and you should not stop treatment abruptly. It’s essential to give your body enough time to completely clear the fungal infection.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the rash’s appearance. Note any changes, such as increased redness, irritation, or the spread of the rash.
- Avoid Cortisone Treatments Temporarily: Using potent cortisone cream could mask symptoms and might not be beneficial in the long term for your ringworm. However, check with a healthcare professional about its safe usage.
- Consider Consultation: If the rash persists or worsens, returning to a healthcare provider (dermatologist preferred) for an assessment may be necessary. A physical examination might lead to a more tailored treatment plan or adjustments to your existing regimen.
- Anticipate Further Treatment: If terbinafine is redeclared necessary, the duration for a subsequent course could typically be another 4-6 weeks, but this would depend on the assessment of your rash at that time.
Remember, your care team should be your partner in this journey. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you still feel unsure about the treatment you are receiving. It's vital to feel confident in managing your health.
Related Questions
Rheumatoid Nodule with Bruising: Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 36-year-old woman weighing 135 pounds, and I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, my rheumatologist identified a rheumatoid nodule located on the back of my hand. A few days ago, I began experiencing some discomfort and tenderness in that area, which was unusual for me. Then, just yesterday, I observed a bruise forming right above the nodule. This bruise doesn’t seem to be superficial; it appears to be a deeper bruise that's surfacing under the skin. I find myself questioning whether this is a common occurrence with RA nodules, or if there could be a connection at all. It’s worth noting that I haven’t injured my hand or subjected it to any trauma recently. Now, I’m torn between contacting my rheumatologist promptly or waiting a few days to see if the situation improves on its own. However, I can't shake off the feeling of anxiety about it. I would genuinely appreciate any insights or advice on this matter! 🙏
From a Lifetime of Good Health to Unexpected Illness
I used to be the epitome of good health, never falling ill—at least, not in my younger years. Sure, there were times I'd feign illness to skip out on school, but that was a universal rite of passage, right? Interestingly, I did experience one peculiar occurrence: I would consistently get sick on my birthday. It was almost comical, a strange quirk that repeated itself every year without fail. However, everything shifted dramatically when I reached the age of 18 or 19. Suddenly, it felt like the flu and colds were after me. Whenever someone in my vicinity caught a bug, I would inevitably fall ill too. The strange part is, while my family would recover relatively quickly, I found myself grappling with sickness for many more days than they did. This has left me pondering whether my lack of illness earlier in life has left my immune system weaker, struggling to battle these infections now. It's a thought that intrigues me. And let’s be clear—when I do get sick, it’s not just a mild discomfort. The pain can be quite severe, which I suppose could be a normal part of the illness.
MRI Results for Preterm Infant: Understanding the Implications
Infant Details: - **Age:** 7 months (actual) - **Sex:** Male - **Height:** 22 inches - **Weight:** 10 lbs During a recent evaluation, an MRI of the brain was performed on this preterm infant, now at 28 weeks gestation equivalent. The results raise some concerns regarding the infant's neurological development. ### MRI Findings: - **Impression:** The MRI indicated a focus of susceptibility associated with blood products located in the inferomedial section of the left cerebellum, likely linked to germinal matrix issues. - The MRI did not reveal any other abnormalities, as it was deemed otherwise negative without the use of contrast agent. This assessment leads to important questions: Does this MRI outcome suggest potential complications? Could it be a sign of cerebral palsy (CP)? These are crucial considerations for both immediate care and long-term monitoring of the child’s health as the developmental stages progress.
Concern About Potential Dry Socket
I’m a 17-year-old female, measuring 164 cm in height and weighing 44 kg. I’m currently taking sertraline and quetiapine. I’m feeling quite anxious about the possibility of having developed a dry socket. Earlier today, I underwent a tooth extraction; however, it wasn't a wisdom tooth but rather a healthy one that was removed due to overcrowding in my mouth. The extraction site bled heavily for a duration of seven hours, but thankfully, that bleeding has since ceased. When I examined the area, I noticed a white substance present at the site. In general, I'm not one to panic about healing processes, but as a heavy smoker, I became worried after I unknowingly smoked several times before my friend informed me about the dangers of smoking in relation to dry socket. Now, I'm quite anxious that I may have inadvertently brought this condition upon myself. I intend to share images showing the bleeding socket and its current appearance.
Exploring Bipolar Conditions: My Journey with Sertraline
Hello everyone! I’m a 22-year-old woman who began taking sertraline eight days ago, and I have already noticed significant effects. Remarkably, I felt it kick in almost immediately—by the very next day. I can assure you this isn't just a placebo effect. Prior to starting this medication, my mind was overwhelmed with noise; I experienced a flurry of thoughts racing through my head at all times, which was truly exhausting. It felt as though I was losing my grip on reality. During this tough period, I sank into deep depression, resulting in an upsetting increase in thoughts about death. This led me to seek medical assistance for my condition. I should clarify that my deep depression was not constant; it appeared sporadically over six months, with intervals where I experienced complete emotional relief for days or even weeks at a time. Now, while on medication, I have an abundance of energy. I find myself constantly engaging in household tasks, and my mind is surprisingly clear. If unwanted thoughts do enter my mind, I can easily push them aside. For some time, I have wondered whether I might be bipolar, as I experience dramatic shifts in mood—intense highs followed by profound lows when not on medication. During my elevated moods, I often overspend and feel like a different version of myself, engaging in several reckless behaviors and experiencing a strong sense of invincibility. Conversely, when I hit low points, nothing seems to alleviate my feelings. I find myself crying frequently, experiencing irritability, a loss of interest in activities and relationships, and a sense of disconnection from my supportive husband. As of now, I am enjoying a high while taking sertraline, and I am thrilled to say I haven't encountered any self-destructive tendencies or excessive narcissism. However, it’s worth mentioning that I have indulged in a bit of a spending spree and feel overwhelmingly happy. Still, I can’t shake off the anxiety that comes with the fear of eventually crashing down and potentially confirming my suspicions of being bipolar. Do you think this could be a possibility?