Non-Prescription Antifungals for Athlete's Foot
Examples
Azoles
|
| clotrimazole | Canesten, Clotrimaderm |
| miconazole | Micatin, Monistat Derm |
Other antifungals
These antifungal medicines are put directly on the skin
(topical). They are available as creams, lotions, solutions, gels, sprays,
ointments, swabs, or powders. One medicine may be available in many forms. Your
doctor will help you decide which form is best for you.
How It Works
All of these medicines kill fungi. See the medicine label for specific instructions.
If you stop treatment early, even if the symptoms are
gone, an athlete's foot infection will likely return. It is very important to
use the medicine for the entire time directed.
Why It Is Used
Non-prescription antifungal medicines
are usually the first medicines used in treating mild and moderate
athlete's foot. If treatment is not successful, or if
you have a severe case, prescription antifungals are used.
How Well It Works
Non-prescription antifungal medicines
are effective in curing athlete's foot for most people. 1
Side Effects
Topical antifungals rarely cause side
effects. Stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor if the medicine causes
severe blistering, itching, redness, dryness, or irritation.
See
Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not
available in all systems.)
What To Think About
It is not known whether these medicines harm a
fetus or pass into breast milk. If you are pregnant or
breast-feeding, talk with your doctor.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Fuller LC (2010). Tinea pedis and skin dermatophytosis. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease, 3rd ed., pp. 740–742. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | August 10, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
August 10, 2010
Fuller LC (2010). Tinea pedis and skin dermatophytosis. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease, 3rd ed., pp. 740–742. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.
