I have recurrent fungal infection (ringworm) on my inner thighs and groin area. It improves with Dermikem 4 cream, but returns soon after stopping it. Can you suggest a low-cost, effective, and safe long-term treatment?
Recurrent ringworm in the groin that improves only temporarily with creams like Dermikem 4 is often due to steroid-containing combinations, which suppress the rash without curing the fungus and lead to repeated relapses. The best long-term approach is to stop such creams and use a plain antifungal cream (like clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine) applied twice daily for at least 3-4 weeks and continued for 1-2 weeks after the skin looks normal. Keep the area clean and completely dry, wear loose cotton underwear, change clothes daily, and avoid sharing towels to prevent reinfection; treating any fungal infection on other body parts at the same time is also important. In persistent or widespread cases, a doctor may prescribe low-cost oral antifungal tablets for a few weeks to clear the infection completely. Following the full course and hygiene measures is key to preventing recurrence.