Believe it or not, fungal infections are more common than you might think. Conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch can be uncomfortable, itchy, and stubborn to treat. One of the most common solutions is an antifungal cream. In this blog, we will tackle the most asked questions about antifungal cream.
What is Antifungal Cream?
Antifungal creams are topical medications applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as ringworm, nail fungus, and vaginal yeast infection. They work by either destroying fungal cells or stopping further fungal growth. By doing so, antifungal cream helps to relieve redness, flaking, itching and irritation while supporting the healing process.
How do They Work?
Most antifungal creams contain active ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, or tolnaftate. According to research conducted by Mahmoud A. Ghannoum, these active ingredients break down the fungal membrane or block the production of ergosterol, a component that fungi need to survive. Without it, the fungus weakens and disappears.
💡 Examples of OTC fungal cream: Canesten Clotrimazole Cream 1%, Tolnaftate Cream 10g and Tinea-Kare Anti-Fungal Cream
When Should You Use It?
Any signs of skin infection, such as redness, peeling, itching or rashes that can’t be treated with moisturizers, are indications that you should consider using antifungal cream. In addition, fungi thrive in moist areas. Symptoms might worsen even more during humid weather or after activities that cause you to sweat. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your infected area is always clean and dry to prevent the fungi from spreading.
It usually takes 2-4 weeks with consistent usage of antifungal cream to see positive results. If your condition remains the same or worsens, seek immediate medical advice.
Who Can Use Antifungal Creams?
Most antifungal creams are safe to be used for babies or during pregnancy. However, for children under 12 years, antifungal creams should be used under adult supervision. It is advisable to check the ingredients list to ensure the suitability of usage for certain demographics (it’s best to consult a doctor before usage).
Key Takeaways
- Antifungal creams treat fungal infections by killing fungi or stopping them from spreading.
- Common active ingredients: clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, tolnaftate.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry for the best results. For Athlete’s foot, you may change socks daily or use shoe powder to maintain the dryness.
- Typical treatment duration: 2–4 weeks, or as directed by a doctor.
- Antifungal creams should be used under adult supervision when used on children under 12 years. Check on the products’ ingredients list to ensure the suitability of usage for certain demographics.
👉 Antifungal creams are commonly available over the counter in pharmacies. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.
