Antifungal creams Fact Card
Antifungal creams are used to treat fungal skin infections. These creams are sometimes combined with antibacterial creams and/or steroid creams.
| Brands | Canestan, Daktacort, Nystatin. |
| Used For | Used to treat certain fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, tinea, thrush. |
| Doseage | Usually 2-3 times a day. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection. |
| Side Effects | Some people report itching or a rash, but this is rare. |
| Warnings | Ensure good hygiene methods. |
| Pregnancy | Not known to be harmful in pregnancy. |
Antifungal creams are a type of medicine prescribed to treat fungal skin infections.
What is Antifungal creams used to treat?
A range of fungal skin infections including athletes foot, ringworm, yeast infections, oral & vaginal thrush and pityriasis versicolor.
How does Antifungal creams work?
Fungal infections of the skin are very common; and rarely serious. They are caused by fungi which usually live harmlessly on your skin, soil and food which can occasionally thrive and multiply on a particular skin surface and cause infection.
Antifungal creams work by damaging the cell wall of the fungus and therefore killing the fungus.
How do I take Antifungal creams?
The dose depends on the condition; some courses may be as short as a few days using the cream twice daily.
The course for a complicated fungal infection may be longer up to a few weeks.
Side effects of Antifungal creams
The creams usually cause no side effects.
Some people may complain of an itch or burning when the cream is first applied.
Things to avoid
Avoid sharing your cream with anyone else who may have similar infection.
Avoid sharing towels.
Antifungal creams and alcohol
Avoid whilst on this medication.
Can I take Antifungal creams when pregnant?
There is minimal absorption from the skin and this is not known to be harmful.
Being pregnant can increase the risk of vaginal thrush, and often treatment with antifungal creams is quite safe. Always discuss this with your doctor.
Antifungal creams and breastfeeding
The manufacturers advise to be used with caution due to limited data available.
Our doctors are available now and can issue same day prescriptions for all standard medications. To see a GP regarding a prescription for antifungal creams or for any other reason book an appointment now and start feeling better right away.