I have had a ringworm infection in the groin (inguinal) and buttock (gluteal) areas for the past six months. I have used itraconazole 100 mg and various creams (clotrimazole with beclomethasone, clobetasol with neomycin and miconazole, and terbinafine), but there is no improvement. What should I do next?
A long-standing ringworm infection in the groin and buttock area that is not improving despite multiple creams and tablets is often due to incomplete or incorrect treatment, especially the use of steroid-containing creams (like beclomethasone or clobetasol), which can suppress symptoms temporarily but make the fungal infection more resistant and widespread. The next step is to stop all steroid-mixed creams and consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation. You may need a full course of oral antifungal medicines in the correct dose and duration, along with a suitable antifungal cream applied regularly. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose cotton clothing, avoid sharing towels, and continue treatment for the full duration, even after symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.