Which topical antifungal is listed for the treatment of tinea pedis, manuum, cruris, and corporis?

• A. Clotrimazole topical
• B. Miconazole topical
• C. Terbinafine oral
• D. Ketoconazole shampoo

Answer: (A)

Clotrimazole topical is a first-line topical antifungal that treats dermatophyte infections of the skin, including tinea pedis, tinea manuum, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis. It works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme 14-α-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis, which disrupts the fungal cell membrane and stops growth. Applied directly to the affected areas, it delivers high local concentrations with minimal systemic absorption, making it effective across these four sites with a convenient twice-daily regimen typically continued for 2–4 weeks depending on response. While other topical azoles like miconazole can also treat these infections, the choice listed reflects a common, broad-coverage topical option for all four conditions. The other choices are not topical antifungals used for these skin infections: terbinafine in oral form is systemic, and ketoconazole shampoo targets scalp/seborrheic conditions rather than these four dermatophyte infections.