Understanding Fungal Infections
A fungal infection is typically an overgrowth of a fungus on a localised area of the body such as the nails or scalp, that causes symptoms of inflamed skin or reddening. Sometimes the overgrowth may belong to a fungus that is not usually present on the body but has since colonised an area of skin after coming into contact with it. Alternatively, it may belong to a fungus that is already present in the body but has since overpopulated out of control. Fungal infections are a common health condition that can be easily treated and prevented.
Fungal infections can take several different forms, affecting different areas of the body. These include:
- Ringworm (tinea corporis) - affecting the body
- Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) - affecting the nails
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) - affecting the feet
- Jock itch (tinea cruris) - affecting the groin
- Tinea capitis - affecting the scalp
- Genital thrush (genital candidiasis) - affecting the genitals
- Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) - affecting the mouth
There are various causes of fungal infections, but they are generally caused by fungal spores. Fungal spores can be spread between people through contact of the skin and by sharing clothing or bedding. Fungal spores (such as those that cause athlete’s foot) may be present in places with high humidity such as gyms and swimming pool changing rooms. If a pet has ringworm, the owner may catch it by stroking them. Oral thrush may have different causes such as poor oral hygiene or a recent course of antibiotics.
The symptoms of a fungal infection may include a red or silvery ring-shaped rash on the skin or on the affected areas, peeling or cracking of the skin, itching and a stinging/burning sensation on the infected areas. Genital and oral thrush may present different symptoms; genital thrush is usually characterised by itching, soreness and redness around the genitals, as well as a white discharge from the vagina or penis. Oral thrush usually presents symptoms such as white patches in the mouth and burning sensations or pain around the mouth region.
The level of contagion for each type of fungal infection varies. Most external fungal infections are contagious and spread through touching of the skin, sharing contaminated clothing or bedding, and possibly through touching contaminated pets or animals. Typically, oral and genital thrush are not contagious. It should also be noted that genital thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, despite appearing after sexual intercourse in some cases.
Sometimes fungal infections can clear up without the need of treatment. For a faster and more effective solution, there are antifungal medications you can take depending on the type of fungal infection you may have. Topical treatments such as branded Canesten 1% External Cream and its generic form Clotrimazole 1% External are effective medications for external fungal infection and thrush symptoms. Daktarin is another popular treatment option, along with branded Curanail and its generic counterpart Amorolfine, which are used to treat fungal nail infections. Daktarin Oral Gel is effective at managing the internal symptoms of oral thrush, whilst the internal symptoms of genital thrush can be treated through branded Diflucan tablets or generic Fluconazole, as well as Canesten Internal Cream.
Antifungal Treatments: Our Pharmacist's Advice
“One of the most common reasons why a fungal infection returns is stopping treatment too soon. It is recommended to continue applying an antifungal cream for one to two weeks after the skin looks completely clear, depending on the condition you are treating, as the fungus can still be present even once the visible rash has gone.
It is also important to be aware that not every red, itchy or flaky rash is fungal. Several skin conditions look very similar but need entirely different treatment, so if an infection has not improved after a full course of an antifungal treatment, speak to your GP."
About Antifungal Treatments
Fungal infections can be treated with a range of antifungal medications, including creams, shampoos and nail lacquer. The most suitable option depends on the type of infection and where it appears on the body. Most fungal skin infections can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, while scalp conditions and more persistent infections may require a different form of treatment.
Most fungal skin infections affecting the body, feet or groin are treated with a topical antifungal cream. For most common skin infections, a broad-spectrum antifungal cream such as clotrimazole or Daktarin is a suitable first choice. If you are unsure which treatment is right for your infection, contact our pharmacist for advice on the most appropriate option.
Most fungal skin infections are treated with a topical antifungal cream applied directly to the affected area. Antifungal creams are suitable for common infections affecting the body, feet, groin and skin folds, and are available without a prescription. Antifungal creams we offer at Pharmica are Clotrimazole 1% Cream and Daktarin (Miconazole) Cream. Both are broad-spectrum antifungal treatments that are effective against the majority of fungal skin infections.
Pharmacist advice: Continue applying an antifungal cream for the full recommended course, including for a short period after the skin appears clear. Stopping treatment too early is the most common reason a fungal infection returns.
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal skin infection that produces a red, ring-shaped rash with a clearer centre. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm. It spreads through skin contact, shared items and contact with animals and commonly appears on the body, arms and legs.
Ringworm responds well to a topical antifungal cream. Clotrimazole 1% Cream is a suitable first choice, applied to the rash and to a margin of clear skin around its outer edge, since the fungus extends slightly beyond the visible ring.
Pharmacist advice: Wash bedding and towels at a high temperature during treatment and avoid sharing them. Ringworm spreads through fabric, which is a common reason it passes between members of the same household.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet, causing itching, flaking and cracking. It develops in the warm, damp conditions inside shoes and socks, and can be easily picked up in communal areas such as gyms and swimming pools.
Daktarin 2% Cream contains miconazole and is licensed for athlete's foot, and Clotrimazole 1% Cream is an equally effective option. Apply either with particular attention to the skin between the toes. Keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks daily and allowing shoes to air between wears all help to prevent it returning.
Pharmacist advice: Dry thoroughly between the toes before applying any antifungal cream. Trapped moisture allows athlete's foot to persist, so this step helps the treatment to work more effectively.
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the groin, inner thighs and buttocks that causes a red, itchy and sometimes ring-shaped rash. It is more common in men and in warm weather, and it often occurs alongside athlete's foot, as the same fungus can spread from the feet to the groin.
A topical antifungal cream is the usual treatment. Daktarin 2% Cream and Clotrimazole 1% Cream are both suitable, applied to the affected area and to the surrounding skin. If athlete's foot is present at the same time, treat both areas together, as the infection will otherwise keep returning to the groin.
Loose cotton underwear, drying thoroughly after washing and putting socks on before underwear all reduce the chance of it recurring.
Fungal scalp conditions are treated with a medicated antifungal shampoo rather than a cream. Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are both linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that lives naturally on the scalp, which is why an antifungal shampoo is more effective than a standard cosmetic product.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, an antifungal that reduces this yeast and relieves the flaking, redness and itching that come with it. It is suitable for dandruff and for seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the scalp.
Not every scalp health issue is the same condition, and they are not all treated the same way:
- Dandruff: dry white flaking with mild itching, usually spread across the whole scalp
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis: greasier yellow scaling with redness, which can also affect the eyebrows, sides of the nose and ears
- Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): a separate infection that requires an oral antifungal prescribed by a GP. An antifungal shampoo alone will not clear it, although it may be advised alongside oral treatment to reduce spread
Pharmacist advice: Leaving the shampoo on for the full three to five minutes matters more than how much you apply. Rinsing it out immediately is the most common reason an antifungal shampoo appears not to be working.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antifungal Treatments
Yes. Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole and Daktarin are available to buy without a prescription and are suitable for common fungal skin infections including ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch.
Symptoms often begin to improve within the first few days of treatment, though the full course usually takes longer and varies according to the type and location of the infection. It is important to complete the full course recommended for the treatment being used, as stopping early can allow the infection to return. Always follow the treatment instructions recommended by your prescriber.
There is no single strongest antifungal treatment, as the most effective option depends on the type, location and severity of the infection. Persistent or widespread infections that do not respond to a topical treatment may require an oral antifungal medication. Contact our pharmacists to get advice on the most appropriate treatment for a particular infection.
Yes. Canesten is a brand of antifungal treatment, and its cream contains clotrimazole. The active ingredient is the same as in generic clotrimazole creams, which offer an equally effective but more affordable alternative.
No. Sudocrem is an antiseptic healing cream used for nappy rash, minor skin irritation and small cuts. It is not an antifungal and will not treat a fungal infection. A dedicated antifungal cream is required for that purpose.
No. Savlon is an antiseptic used to clean and protect minor wounds and grazes. It does not contain an antifungal ingredient and will not clear a fungal infection.
No. Germolene is an antiseptic cream with a mild local anaesthetic, used for minor cuts, stings and skin irritation. It is not an antifungal treatment.
The most common reasons are stopping treatment too early, not applying the treatment to the surrounding skin, or the rash not being a fungal infection in the first place. Some skin conditions can look similar to fungal infections but have a different cause. If there is no improvement after completing the full course, it is recommended to speak to a pharmacist or doctor.