There were no statistical difference of all the parameters between tea tree oil group and clotrimazole group. Conclusion: Tea tree oil 50% cream is safe and as effective as clotrimazole 1% cream for the treatment of tinea corporis or cruris.
A third double-blind study looked at 100% tea tree oil compared with a topical antifungal, clotrimazole, in 112 people with fungal infections of the toenails. The tea tree oil was as effective as the antifungal.
Terbinafine (Lamisil) comes in creams, sprays, and gels and can treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and other ringworm infections on the skin. The CDC says terbinafine seems to be the most effective treatment for tinea pedis. Possible side effects include: peeling.
If you are using clotrimazole to treat athlete's foot or ringworm, your symptoms should improve over 4 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.
Do not use clotrimazole cream, spray or solution for more than 4 weeks, unless a doctor tells you to. Fungal infections can become resistant to clotrimazole and it can stop working properly. The most common side effect of clotrimazole is skin irritation in the area you've treated.
Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Early studies show it does work as an antifungal against ringworm. Other studies show that it works against athlete's foot when applied as a cream. You should only use tea tree oil topically as it is toxic if ingested.
The infection may return if you stop treatment too soon. See a doctor if the rash doesn't go away after two weeks of home treatment. A ringworm infection that doesn't improve or that spreads may require a prescription-strength topical cream or oral antifungal medication.
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
Steroid creams can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin's defenses. Steroid creams can allow ringworm infections to spread to cover more of the body. Ringworm that has been treated with steroid creams can have an unusual appearance, making it hard for healthcare providers to diagnose.
After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
Bleach diluted 1:10 will kill 80 percent of fungal spores with one application and any surface that can be bleached, should be bleached.
Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area two or three times per day with a cotton ball or swab. If you have sensitive skin, it may be helpful to dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil, which has its own antifungal benefits.
Tea tree oil contains key compounds that reduce the bacteria on skin's surface that contribute to acne production, says Ava Shamban, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills. Plus, she adds, "it helps calm the skin and reduces redness caused by acne pustules."
Applying tea tree oil to the skin can cause irritation, particularly if it's not diluted properly and is used in higher concentrations. Symptoms of skin irritation from tea tree oil can include: redness. dry or scaly skin.
Coconut oil has both microbial and antifungal properties that can help treat ringworm infections. It's an extremely effective topical home remedy for ringworm and infections with other fungi, like candida.
What are the symptoms? The rash caused by a ringworm infection is usually round or oval and has a raised border. It starts small and slowly grows larger. As it grows, the central part of the rash usually becomes clear.
Do not cover the ringworm with a bandage. Wash and dry your hands well.
If you use too much clotrimazole cream, spray or solution or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less the next time.
Adults and children—Use two times a day, morning and evening.
When clotrimazole is applied locally and topically, toxic effects such as pelvic cramps, hives, skin rash, occasional headache, itching, and irritation of the vulva and vagina may be observed. Stop the medication if there are any adverse effects.
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
Ringworm usually goes away within 4 weeks of treatment.
How long does clotrimazole lozenge take to work? Clotrimazole lozenge is absorbed by the body and begins to treat oral thrush within 30 to 60 minutes after taking your dose. Most people will begin to feel relief in about a week, but it takes 2 weeks to completely get rid of the fungus causing your infection.