Antifungal cream is a topical cream meant to fight off various fungal infections, including thrush, yeast infections, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. These creams works by attacking the fungus itself, while trying to minimize the damage done to the patient. Many different types are available over the counter in the United States, and most have relatively small concentrations of an active ingredient. Some common active ingredients include econazole, tioconazone, clotrimazone, and miconazole. Often, a medication will include hydrocortisone as well, which isn’t an antifungal but does help to relieve itching caused by the infection.
Fungal cells are quite similar in some ways to mammalian cells, which means that many treatments do have some side effects, as the cream damages both the fungus and the human skin. The side effects of antifungals are typically rather minor, however, and especially with low-strength creams, they are unlikely to cause serious problems.
Because there are so many different fungal infections, and because there are so many different types of antifungal cream, there is no common way to use this product. Usually, a small amount will be applied to the affected area. It may be left on for a brief time and then washed off, or it may be left on for an extended period of time until it wears off on its own. Some creams may also be intended for internal application, as is the case with creams used to treat yeast infections. People should always make sure to follow the instructions for the specific product and not use more or less of the medication than is recommended.
Because fungus is contagious, it’s also a good idea for individuals to take care when applying the cream not to contaminate the tube itself. People should wear gloves or use tissue to make sure that, when they rub the cream on the affected area, they do not then touch anything else before washing their hands. If applying a cream to another person, the individual should make especially sure to clean his or her hands thoroughly.
In some cases, an over-the-counter antifungal cream may not be strong enough to clear up a particularly severe fungal infection. If this is the case, the individual should go see a healthcare professional so that he or she can prescribe a more robust treatment. In most cases, this will not be a cream or other topical medication, but some sort of stronger antifungal agent meant to be taken orally to fight the systemic infection from the inside out.