My wife and I have had ringworm for the past 6 months. We are taking terbinafine 250 mg, fluconazole, and using Dermikem OC ointment and Candid powder daily, but there is no improvement. What is the appropriate treatment?
Ringworm that is not improving despite tablets and creams is often due to the use of steroid-containing combinations like Dermikem OC, which should be stopped immediately, as they suppress the rash but worsen the fungal infection and cause resistance. The correct treatment is to use a plain antifungal cream (such as terbinafine, luliconazole, or ketoconazole) applied regularly for at least 3-4 weeks and continued for 1-2 weeks after the skin looks normal, along with a properly supervised course of oral antifungal medication prescribed by a dermatologist (the dose and duration may need adjustment). It is very important that both you and your wife take treatment at the same time, follow strict hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose cotton clothes, washing clothes and undergarments in hot water, and avoiding sharing towels to prevent reinfection. Since your infection has lasted 6 months and is not responding, a dermatologist consultation is essential for proper evaluation and complete treatment.