From the Guidelines
Antifungal creams are topical medications used to treat fungal skin infections, and I recommend using clotrimazole or miconazole for common infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, or jock itch, as they have been shown to be effective in achieving >90% response rates 1. When choosing an antifungal cream, it's essential to consider the type of fungal infection being treated. For example, vulvovaginal candidiasis can be treated with topical agents like clotrimazole or miconazole, while more severe infections may require prescription-strength antifungals like ketoconazole or econazole. Some key points to keep in mind when using antifungal creams include:
- Applying a thin layer to the affected area and about one inch beyond it, typically twice daily for 1-2 weeks, or continuing for 7 days after symptoms resolve
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments
- Washing hands before and after application to prevent spreading the infection
- Being aware that antifungal creams work by disrupting the fungal cell membrane or inhibiting essential enzymes, preventing fungal growth and reproduction
- Consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms don't improve after two weeks of treatment, the infection worsens, or spreads to other areas, as a different treatment approach may be necessary. It's also important to note that the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis should not differ based on HIV infection status, and identical response rates are anticipated for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women 1. Additionally, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis can be treated with induction therapy followed by a maintenance azole regimen for at least 6 months, with fluconazole being a commonly used option 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ketoconazole Cream 2%, for topical administration only, contains the broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent, ketoconazole 2%, Ketoconazole is cis-1-acetyl-4-[4-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]methoxy]phenyl]piperazine An antifungal cream is a topical treatment that contains a broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent, such as ketoconazole, used to treat various fungal infections, including:
- Tinea corporis
- Tinea cruris
- Tinea pedis
- Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor
- Cutaneous candidiasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis 2
From the Research
Definition of Antifungal Cream
- An antifungal cream is a type of topical medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin 3, 4, 5.
- These creams typically contain active ingredients such as ketoconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine, which work to stop the growth of fungi like dermatophytes, candidiasis, and pityrosporum 3, 4.
Types of Antifungal Creams
- There are various types of antifungal creams available, including:
- Ketoconazole cream, which is effective against a wide range of fungal infections 3.
- Clotrimazole cream, which is commonly used to treat skin infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot 3.
- Terbinafine cream, which is highly effective against dermatophyte infections and has a low potential for drug interactions 4, 5.
Effectiveness of Antifungal Creams
- The effectiveness of antifungal creams can vary depending on the type of fungal infection being treated and the active ingredient used 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that antifungal creams can be highly effective in treating superficial fungal infections, with cure rates ranging from 80-90% 4, 5.
- However, some studies have also reported limited effectiveness of antifungal creams in certain cases, such as in the treatment of altered dermatophytosis in India 6.