Integrative Topical Regimen (Herbal & Essential Oil) for Recurrent Tinea Corporis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Recurrent tinea corporis can cause persistent discomfort and impairment in dermatology-related quality of life. Although botanical topical preparations are used as adjuncts, clinical descriptions of structured combined regimens remain limited. Objective: To describe the clinical course and patient-reported quality of life during a combined botanical topical regimen administered alongside conventional antifungal treatment. Case Presentation: A 23-year-old woman presented with a three-month history of pruritic, recurrent annular-to-oval plaques involving the left forearm, abdomen and inframammary region despite previous antifungal treatment. Her baseline Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 21. Intervention & Discussion: Over 14 days, the patient used a topical regimen comprising coconut oil with turmeric, Aloe vera gel with neem leaf paste and tea tree oil diluted in coconut oil, while continuing conventional antifungal treatment. Daily telephone follow-up was conducted to assess symptoms and reported adverse events. By Day 15, clinical examination showed marked improvement in erythema and scaling on the left forearm, with residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The DLQI score decreased from 21 to 7. No adverse events were reported during monitoring, and no clinical recurrence was documented at the one-month follow-up. Conclusion: Improvement in visible lesions and patient-reported quality of life occurred during combined treatment. As this is a single case involving concurrent conventional therapy, the independent effectiveness and longer-term preventive value of the botanical regimen remain undetermined.