Which antifungal cream to use

To make sure it's safe for you, tell a doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole or any other medicines in the past. How long you use clotrimazole for depends on the type of infection you have. It's best to use it for at least 2 weeks, even if all signs of the infection have gone, to stop it from coming back.

It can be used for up to 4 weeks if needed. Apply clotrimazole to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. It will work better if you use it 3 times a day. If the affected area is large or hairy, it's best to use either the spray or solution. If you're using clotrimazole on your feet, make sure you wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between your toes, before applying clotrimazole. Apply clotrimazole cream to the affected area.

Use the cream on your skin only. A strip of cream 0. Avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes. If you're using the spray for the first time, prepare the spray by pressing the spray head down once or twice. The solution comes in a bottle with a plastic "dropper" which lets the solution out in drops. A few drops of clotrimazole solution should be enough to cover an area the size of a hand. If your ear is infected, put 2 to 3 drops of clotrimazole solution into your ear.

If you forget to use your treatment, do not worry. Just apply it as soon as you remember and then keep following your usual routine. If you use too much clotrimazole cream, spray or solution or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin red or irritated. If this happens, use less the next time. Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects usually go away when you stop using it. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. If the side effects do not go away, try using a smaller amount of the treatment or stop using it completely. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to clotrimazole. You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. Clotrimazole is generally considered safe to use while you're breastfeeding. If your baby is being treated for oral thrush you can carry on breastfeeding but you'll need to be treated at the same time. Apply clotrimazole cream on and around your nipples after each time you breastfeed your baby. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding. Treatment needs to be undertaken for long periods a year or longer because nails take a long time to grow, especially in older individuals.

Nail polish is not recommended, in case it interferes with the efficacy of the product, although this is not proven. Note : miconazole oral gel should not be used in patients who are taking warfarin because it has been reported to cause a dangerous interaction, which could result in serious bleeding. Vulvovaginal candidiasis can be treated with:. Topical antifungals may be sold with an oral antifungal medication, for example, fluconazole capsule in combination with clotrimazole cream.

A strong topical steroid can mask the fungal infection, and, as they are not curative, they can result in more extensive infection tinea incognita and adverse effects such as cutaneous atrophy. Oral antifungal medications may be required for a fungal infection if:. See smartphone apps to check your skin. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.

Topical antifungal medication — codes and concepts open. I can hear it now: "Alton! Don't forget to wash your hands.

However, I also have the voice of Treatment of chronic and complex wounds complicated by biofilm formed by pathogens remains a tremendous challenge for the health care industry. Recent increases in infections mediated by drug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens highlight the need for new antimicrobial therapies. View the discussion thread. Important Notice: The contents of the website such as text, graphics, images, and other materials contained on the website "Content" are for informational purposes only.

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Skip to main content. Submitted by WoundSource Editors on June 25th, Blog Category:. Biofilm and Infected Wounds. By the WoundSource Editors Antifungal cream is a broad term used to describe a range of products containing antifungal agents that are topically applied to the skin to control and manage fungal infections. The following conditions may present indications for antifungal creams to be applied as part of a care regimen: Burn wounds: Compared with other hospitalized patients, burn patients are at high risk for developing fungal infections, with incidences reported between 6.

Immunosuppressed patients: Patients with suppressed immune systems are at high risk of systemic fungal infections, many of which are opportunistic and begin on compromised skin surfaces. September 30th, January 23rd, By Alton R.