What Is the Best Antifungal Cream? Top Picks and Expert Advice

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are almost 1-5 million species of fungi present on the planet. Among these, a few have the potential to cause invasive and non-invasive infections. Some of these fungi are also responsible for causing skin infections such as ringworm, skin yeast infection, jock itch, etc. In such cases, patients often ask about what is the best antifungal cream.

In this article, we will address the question of what is the best antifungal cream for the treatment of fungal skin 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 products intended for application to the skin for the treatment of fungal skin infections. In addition, these are also effective against nail and foot diseases. Different antifungal creams contain a varying range of antifungal medications. Some of these creams are sold over-the-counter (OTC) while others can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.

While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it should be remembered that the OTC products are often mild as they contain a small concentration of the active ingredient. However, the prescription-based products are suitable for the treatment of moderate to severe fungal infections due to their high potency.

Clinical Consult

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

What Do Antifungal Creams Treat?

While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it is also important to look into the conditions these medications can treat. In this regard, the following conditions are intended to be treated with an antifungal cream:

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the toes. People who wear tight shoes, use public showers, or sweat a lot are more likely to catch the disease.

Common Symptoms

• Itching
• Skin cracking and peeling

Ringworm

Ringworm infection or Tinea corporis is a condition in which circular patches appear on the skin. The areas most affected by the infection are the arms, legs, and torso. While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, keep in mind that being contagious, the ringworm infection spreads easily from one person to another, either by direct skin contact or through touching contaminated surfaces.

Common Symptoms

• Circular red patches on the skin
• Itching
• Redness
• Pus-filled bumps
• Hair loss
• Nail changes

Jock Itch

Jock itch or Tinea cruris is a fungal rash that commonly affects men, athletes, or people who sweat heavily. In addition, wearing tight clothes also increase the risk of jock itch. The areas commonly affected are the buttocks, inner thighs, and groin.

Common Symptoms

• Redness of the skin
• Itchy rashes in the groin area

Scalp Ringworm

Scalp ringworm infections are common among children. While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it is important to note that these spread through things that come in contact with the affected skin, such as hats, combs, etc.

Common Symptoms

• Appearance of scaly patches
• Hair loss
• Appearance of black dots where hair has broken off

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is an infection of the nails that has a slow progression. It affects the nails in a way that makes them brittle, so they break easily. Mostly, toenails are the most affected. In some cases, the infection is caused by an athlete’s foot infection that is left untreated. Also, people who wear sweaty shoes or remain in damp environments are more likely to get affected.

Common Symptoms

• Thickened, discolored nails
• High brittleness

Skin Yeast Infection

Skin yeast infections are caused by the Candida yeast, which spreads quickly in warm and moist areas such as under the breasts, armpits, or skin folds. While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it should be kept in mind that people dealing with a weakened immune system, obesity, or diabetes are more prone to the infection.

Common Symptoms

• Redness
• Irritation
• Moistened areas in the skin folds

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection, like the skin yeast infection, is caused by Candida yeast. In this case, the infection is visible around the vaginal area and is accompanied by itching and burning sensation.

Common Symptoms

• Soreness
• Itching
• Discharge

What is the Best Antifungal Cream?

When it comes to addressing the question of what is the best antifungal cream, many options on the market often overwhelm buyers. However, if you know which antifungal agents are effective against which fungal diseases, the choice becomes far easier.

In this regard, the following table enlists some of the commonly occurring fungal diseases. In addition, the recommended antifungal medications have also been mentioned:

Infection Type	Medication of Choice	Notable Brands
Athlete’s Foot	Terbinafine or Clotrimazole	Lamisil, Lotrimin AF
Ringworm	Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, Butenafine	Lotrimin Ultra, Tinactin
Nail Fungus	Terbinafine, Amorolfine	Lamisil
Jock Itch	Miconazole, Clotrimazole	Micatin, Canesten
Yeast Skin Infection	Miconazole, Clotrimazole	Monistat, Canesten
Yeast Vaginal Infection	Miconazole, Clotrimazole	Monistat, Canesten

The brands of the antifungal products mentioned in the table are available over the counter. Therefore, these can be easily accessed. However, in some cases, these medications might not produce good results as they are mild and cannot deal with severe fungal infections. Therefore, if the infection persists after 7 days of using the OTC antifungal cream, seek medical help.

When to Get a Prescription Antifungal Cream?

While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, focus should be given to symptoms. If they are not improving, or you have any of the following cases, it is better to consult a healthcare provider and get a prescription for a more potent antifungal cream:

• If your symptoms have not improved after 1 to 4 weeks of using the OTC antifungal cream, consult your healthcare provider.
• Similar action must be taken if the infection is spreading to a larger area of the body instead of shrinking.
• While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, keep in mind that people with a weakened immune system, usually due to cancer, diabetes, HIV, etc., often require a prescription-based antifungal cream.
• If your fungal infection comes back again and again, prefer a prescription antifungal cream.
• It is best to refer to a healthcare provider if you have a nail fungus or a scalp infection.
• If you are not sure whether your symptoms are due to a fungal infection or another skin disease, it is better to consult a healthcare provider even before starting an OTC antifungal cream.

Using Antifungal Creams: Possible Side Effects

Generally, the antifungal creams are safe for everyone when used correctly. However, while learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it is important to remember that some people might experience some side effects.

These can be associated with both OTC and prescription-based products. The following section enlists some of these possible side effects associated with the use of antifungal creams:

Mild Side Effects

• Redness
• Itching
• Sensation of mild burning
• Stinging in the affected area
• Dryness
• Skin peeling

Rare but Severe Side Effects

• Progressing skin rash
• Swelling
• Blistering

In case of any of these side effects, you should immediately stop using antifungal creams and visit a healthcare provider.

Antifungal Creams at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Antifungal creams are the topical products that are used for the treatment of skin infections caused by fungi. These are available in both OTC and prescription-only forms. Apart from creams, antifungal active agents are also incorporated in sprays, solutions, lotions, etc.

When it comes to learning about what is the best antifungal cream, 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 topical antifungal agents that contain tolnaftate as their active ingredient. These are over-the-counter items that can treat athlete’s foot as well as ringworm infections.

Moreover, while learning about what is the best antifungal cream, side effects are a concern. In this regard, these Tinactin antifungal foot creams are safe and do not cause any harm to the user. However, some patients might experience issues like skin irritation, dryness, and redness. Each of these Tinactin tubes contains a net weight of 15 grams or 0.5 ounces of the antifungal cream.

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 the topical, over-the-counter antifungal agents that are suitable for the treatment of ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, as well as other superficial skin infections. These also have an odor prevention formulation that keeps the affected area smell-free.

Furthermore, while learning what is the best 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%. Each tube contains 3.75 ounces of the product.

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 are OTC products that are similar in composition to the above-mentioned tubes. The only difference is that these come in sachets and are, therefore, more cost-effective.

Moreover, in addition to learning about what is the best antifungal cream, keep in mind that these DermaRite 00233 antifungal DermaFungal® 2% strength creams contain a 2% strength of miconazole nitrate. Each sachet contains 5 grams of the cream.

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

US$83.86

Product Details

53-6391 McKesson antifungal tubes are miconazole-based topical products that are used for treating skin scaling, itching, cracking, and burning often associated with athlete’s foot as well as jock itch. The product also reduces chafing, skin irritation, redness, and skin soreness.

While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, strength is a major concern. In this regard, these 53-6391 McKesson antifungal medications have a strength of 2% and each tube 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 what is the best 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 employed for treating different kinds of skin infections caused by fungi. The common ones include ringworm, jock itch, yeast skin as well as vaginal infection, athlete’s foot, etc.

While learning about what is the best antifungal cream, it is important to choose a product that is suitable for the treatment of the condition. In addition, if the symptoms persist after 1 to 4 weeks of using the antifungal cream, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for a more potent prescription-based antifungal cream.

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/fungal/about/index.html