What is the treatment of choice for ringworm infections?

The treatment of choice for ringworm infections, also known as tinea infections, is griseofulvin. Griseofulvin works by inhibiting fungal cell mitosis, specifically targeting the growth and reproduction of dermatophytes, which are the fungi responsible for ringworm. It is particularly effective for infections that involve the hair and nails, as it gets deposited in keratin, allowing it to directly target the site of infection.

While topical antifungal agents like clotrimazole can be effective for superficial tinea infections, griseofulvin is favored for widespread or more severe cases, especially those involving the scalp or other areas where topical treatments may not penetrate adequately. Nystatin is an antifungal used mainly for Candida infections and is not effective against dermatophytes. Terbinafine can also be used for skin fungal infections, but griseofulvin remains the preferred first-line treatment for more extensive dermatophyte infections due to its mechanism of action and efficacy in systemic treatment.