How to Use Antifungal Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Athlete’s foot, as well as other fungal infections, commonly occur in people with diabetes, obesity, tissue damage, etc. In addition, having a weakened immune system also elevates the risk of contracting a fungal infection. As a treatment strategy, the use of over-the-counter (OTC) as well as prescription-based antifungal topical products is recommended. But how to use antifungal creams, especially for those using them for the first time.

In this article, we will address the question of how to use antifungal creams correctly for the treatment of infections. In addition, some of the well-known antifungal cream brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What are Antifungal Creams?

Antifungal creams are topical preparations that are applied to the skin for the treatment of fungal infections. These formulations can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), which means the patients do not need a prescription to buy them. In addition, some of the more potent antifungal creams are prescription-only, which are used when the OTC ones are not working.

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Healthcare providers can call 404-639-5168 or email [email protected] for consultation on diagnosis or treatment for both suspected and confirmed fungal diseases.

How to Use Antifungal Creams: A Step-by-Step Guide

While learning about how to use antifungal creams, it is important to follow the correct way of application to maximize their antifungal effects. In this regard, the following step-by-step guide comes in handy:

Clean and Dry the Target Area

The first step while learning how to use antifungal creams is to understand the importance of a clean and dry target area. For this purpose, use soap and clean water. Once the skin has been washed thoroughly, allow it to air dry.

As fungal cells thrive in the presence of moisture, drying the infectious area ensures that the spread of infection is contained. If the infection is between the toes on the feet, make sure to dry this area properly using a soft towel. The same goes for a fungal infection affecting the groin area, as these are hard-to-reach points.

Apply the Antifungal Cream

Now, when the skin is fully dried, the next step is to apply a thin layer of the antifungal cream. To do so, take a small amount of the product out of the jar or the tube and apply it gently to the affected area. Make sure to prepare a thin layer of the cream over the area.

In addition, while learning how to use antifungal creams, keep in mind that including a margin of healthy skin around the infected area with visible lesions is essential when it comes to applying the antifungal product.

This is because this area could have fungal cells that are not visible yet. For this purpose, apply the product on the rash as well as on the surrounding area up to a 1-inch diameter. Once the antifungal cream has been applied, make sure to gently rub it into the skin until fully absorbed.

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands before and after applying the antifungal product is necessary. This is because, while learning how to use antifungal creams, it is inevitable to come into contact with the fungal cells. These cells can accidentally spread to other areas of the body through your hands.

Therefore, washing your hands is necessary. However, if your infection is on your hands, do not wash them once the product has been applied.

Let the Area Breathe

Once the antifungal cream has been applied, the next stage is to leave the area uncovered to allow it to breathe. If this is not possible, then wear clothes or socks made with breathable fabric. Avoid using items that provide a tighter fit on the skin or are made up of synthetic materials. Prefer cotton-based clothing items as they are breathable as well as gentle on the skin.

Repeat the Application

As a single application of the antifungal creams cannot treat the infection, it is necessary to repeat the application process twice or thrice a day, depending on the type of active ingredient present in the antifungal cream as well as the severity of the infection.

While learning how to use antifungal creams, keep in mind that if the container or packaging of the product does not contain information regarding the application frequency, consult with your doctor or pharmacist to seek guidance.

Check the Treatment Duration

When it comes to the overall duration of the treatment while learning how to use antifungal creams, keep in mind that most antifungal products heal the condition fully within 2 weeks. However, in some cases, if the infection is severe, this duration may be stretched up to 4 weeks.

It is recommended to always complete the treatment duration and never miss doses in between. Even if the skin looks fine, there is a risk of infection relapse if the therapy is left incomplete. Therefore, it is best to complete the entire course to make sure that the fungus has been fully eradicated.

Using the Antifungal Creams: Tips and Tricks

To maximize the effects of the antifungal therapy while learning how to use antifungal creams, keep in mind some of the following tips in addition to the step-by-step application procedure:

Adopt Hygienic Habits

Make sure that the patient’s hygiene is well-taken care of during the treatment. This is because the fungal cells get transferred from one person to another through the used clothes. Therefore, always wash the towels, socks, underwear, etc. with hot water if it has come in contact with the affected area.

Avoid Using Steroids

In general, the over-the-counter antifungal creams contain mild steroids. These components help the product to relieve itching as well as heal the infection itself. However, steroids are immunosuppressants, which means they reduce the immune response of the skin that jeopardizes the overall healing.

Therefore, while learning how to use antifungal creams, it is best to choose a product that only contains the active ingredient and some of the excipients but is free from steroids unless necessary or recommended by your healthcare provider.

Notice the Odor

While learning how to use antifungal creams, it is normal to have a mild odor at the sight of the infection. However, the antifungal creams do not have their own. If the affected area has a strong, foul smell, it might be an indication of a secondary bacterial infection. In such cases, consult your doctor for further treatment management.

Foot Care is Necessary

If you have athlete’s foot, it is important to apply the antifungal cream and then let the area breathe for a while. Wash your socks daily and always use a cotton-based or moisture-wicking material while choosing a new pair. Additionally, let the shoes air out. You can also use antifungal powder in the shoes.

Antifungal Creams at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Antifungal creams are topical products for the treatment of skin infections. Among these, the OTC products are suitable for mild to moderate diseases, while the prescription-only items deal with more severe kinds of infections.

When it comes to learning about how to use antifungal creams, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Tinactin Antifungal Foot Cream 15 gm 0.5 oz

US$130.88

Product Details

Tinactin antifungal foot creams are the topical products that are available over the counter. Their suitability is for the athlete’s foot as well as ringworm infections. The active ingredient is tolnaftate, which is a well-known antifungal agent used in the formulation of topical medications.

While learning about how to use antifungal cream, the consistency of the product is a concern. In this regard, these Tinactin antifungal foot creams are viscous enough to stay in place and get absorbed properly.

In addition, these Tinactin antifungal foot creams are also well-tolerated among most individuals and do not produce any side effects. However, some patients might complain about skin irritation, dryness, and redness.

As for the grammage, these Tinactin antifungal foot creams come in a 15-gram tube that weighs about 0.5 ounce.

DermaRite 00234 Antifungal DermaFungal® 2% Strength Cream 3.75 oz. Tube (24/CS)

US$159.88

Product Details

DermaRite 00234 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams are antifungal agents that are considered highly suitable for infections that produce a foul odor. This often happens when a secondary bacterial infection is also accompanying the fungal one. In addition, the product also keeps the skin well-moisturized and prevents it from drying out.

Furthermore, these DermaRite 00234 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams can treat issues like jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, as well as other superficial skin infections and can be purchased over-the-counter.

While learning about how to use antifungal cream, keep in mind that these DermaRite 00234 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams have miconazole nitrate as their active ingredient at a strength of 2.0%. Each tube contains 3.75 ounces of the medication.

DermaRite 00233 Antifungal DermaFungal® 2% Strength Cream 5 Gram Individual Packet (144/BX)

US$85.88

Product Details

DermaRite 00233 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams also come in the form of sachets in addition to the above-mentioned tubes. These cost less and can be easily carried around in the pocket or the handbag. Being an over-the-counter product, these DermaRite 00233 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams do not need any prescription for purchasing.

Moreover, in addition to learning about how to use antifungal cream, patients also want to know about the potency of the product. These DermaRite 00233 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams are suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate antifungal infections. As for their grammage, each sachet contains 5 grams of the product.

53-6391 McKesson Antifungal CR 2% 4OZ Tube CS12

US$83.86

Product Details

53-6391 McKesson antifungal tubes are topical products that are recommended for the treatment of skin problems such as itching, cracking, scaling, and burning. In addition, these can also manage athlete’s foot as well as jock itch. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the product is also prominent in treating the redness, soreness, irritation, and chafing.

While learning about how to use antifungal cream, patients are also concerned about the excipients in the product. In case of these 53-6391 McKesson antifungal tubes, the absence of allergy-causing materials like latex renders them safe for people with all skin types.

Moreover, these 53-6391 McKesson antifungal tubes have miconazole nitrate as their active ingredient at a strength of 2%. Each tube of the product contains 4 fluid ounces (fl oz) or 118.3 ml of the product.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The products mentioned in this article, while learning about how to use antifungal cream, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of antimicrobial items.

Conclusion

Antifungal creams are the products that are applied topically to heal the fungal infections affecting the skin. These milder versions of these items are available as OTC products, while the potent ones can be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.

While learning how to use antifungal creams, it is important to know that following the proper usage instructions can help achieve maximum benefits from these products. In addition, good hygiene practices should be implemented while applying the medication.

Considering their importance, topical antifungal creams should be kept in every household as well as in healthcare facilities for the management of fungal infections. For purchasing different types of antifungal creams, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html