Fungal infections on your feet and nails, like athlete’s foot and onychomycosis (nail fungus), are super common. They can be itchy, painful, and let’s face it, not the prettiest thing to look at. Luckily, there are treatments available.
One of the first things doctors often recommend for mild to moderate cases is an antifungal cream for feet and nails. These creams are applied directly to the affected area to kill the fungus.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about antifungal creams: what kinds are out there, what ingredients they contain, how to apply them correctly, and how to prevent fungal infections in the first place.
Understanding Fungal Infections of the Feet and Nails
Fungal infections of the feet and nails are pretty common, and they can be a real nuisance. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and how they spread.
Types of Fungal Infections
- Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): If you’ve ever had athlete’s foot, you know the symptoms: itching, burning, cracking, and scaling skin, especially between the toes. There are actually a few different kinds of athlete’s foot. Some people get it between their toes (interdigital), some on the soles of their feet (moccasin), and some get blisters (vesicular).
- Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis): Nail fungus isn’t pretty. It can make your nails thick, discolored, brittle, and even separate from the nail bed. Injury, poor hygiene, and conditions like diabetes can raise your risk.
How Fungal Infections Develop and Spread
Fungi love warm, moist places. That’s why it’s so important to keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you’re prone to these kinds of infections.
You can pick up fungal infections in public places like showers and swimming pools, or by sharing shoes or socks with someone who has an infection. They’re contagious, so it’s easy to spread them around.
What’s in an antifungal cream?
If you’re shopping for an antifungal cream, you’ll notice that many different products are available. The medication labels may look like a jumble of letters and syllables, but most of these creams use just a few types of active ingredients.
Azoles
You might see names like clotrimazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole. These medications work by stopping fungi from producing ergosterol, which is a crucial part of their cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungi can’t survive.
Azoles are effective against many different types of fungi. You can find them in creams like Lotrimin or Micatin.
Allylamines
Terbinafine and naftifine are examples of allylamines. They work by blocking squalene epoxidase, an enzyme that also helps fungi make ergosterol. Allylamines may work faster than azoles, so you may not need to use them for as long.
You can find allylamines in creams like Lamisil.
Other antifungal ingredients
Ciclopirox olamine is another antifungal that works differently than azoles or allylamines. It disrupts the way fungi take up nutrients and interferes with their DNA, which they need to grow and reproduce.
Tolnaftate stops fungi from growing and spreading. It’s often used to prevent fungal infections as well as to treat them. You can find tolnaftate in creams like Tinactin.
Combination products
Some creams combine an antifungal ingredient with a corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory medication. The steroid can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching. However, steroids can also have side effects, such as skin thinning, so it’s important to use these creams only as directed by a doctor.
How to Properly Apply Antifungal Cream
Applying antifungal cream correctly is key to kicking that foot or nail fungus to the curb. Here’s the lowdown:
- Prep work is important: Start by washing and really drying your feet or toes. If you’re dealing with nail fungus, trim your nails short and file down any thick spots.
- Application: Squeeze out a thin layer of the cream and gently massage it into the affected area, as well as the skin around it. Don’t just glob it on!
- Consistency is key: Read the product label or listen to your doctor on how often to apply the cream and for how long. Even if your symptoms improve, keep using it for the entire recommended time! Otherwise, the fungus can come back.
- Hygiene habits: Always wash your hands after you apply the cream. Wear clean socks made of breathable stuff like cotton or wool. Change your socks every day, or even more often if your feet sweat a lot.
Following these steps will give you the best shot at getting rid of that pesky fungus!
Tips for Preventing Fungal Infections
Fungal infections of the feet and nails are annoying, but thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent them.
Foot Hygiene
- Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. This is where fungus loves to grow!
- Use an antifungal foot powder to soak up any excess moisture.
Footwear and Socks
- Wear shoes and socks made of breathable materials.
- Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Give them a chance to dry out completely.
- Wear shower shoes or sandals when you’re in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
Nail Care
- Keep your toenails trimmed short and clean.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files with other people.
Other Preventive Measures
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places.
- Disinfect your shoes and socks regularly.
Potential side effects and precautions
Like any medication, antifungal creams can cause side effects. The most common side effects include itching, burning, redness, and irritation at the application site.
Rarely, people can experience allergic reactions, and some may even explore the use of antifungal essential oils for feet. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after several weeks of treatment, talk to your doctor. Also, be sure to discuss any other medications you’re taking, as some antifungal creams can interact with other drugs. As with all medications, keep antifungal creams out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest antifungal for toenails?
The “strongest” antifungal depends on the specific fungus causing the infection and individual factors. Prescription oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are often considered highly effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical prescription antifungals like efinaconazole and tavaborole are also available. For a personalized recommendation, consult a doctor or podiatrist.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
It’s generally recommended to wear clean, breathable socks (like cotton or wool) to bed if you have toenail fungus. This helps absorb moisture and prevent the fungus from spreading. Change your socks daily and wash them in hot water to kill any lingering fungal spores.
What cream is good for fungal toenails?
Several antifungal creams are available for fungal toenails. Over-the-counter options often contain ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate. Prescription creams like ciclopirox are also available. While creams may help manage symptoms, they often have limited success in fully eradicating toenail fungus due to difficulty penetrating the nail.
How long to use Lamisil cream for toenail fungus?
Lamisil (terbinafine) cream is typically not used directly on toenails due to its limited penetration. It’s more commonly used for skin infections. For toenail fungus, oral terbinafine is often prescribed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. Even with oral medication, treatment can take several months.
Can I buy antifungal cream over the counter?
Yes, many antifungal creams are available over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies and drugstores. These creams typically contain ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate. They can be helpful for treating mild fungal infections of the skin, but may be less effective for stubborn toenail fungus. If OTC treatments don’t improve your condition, see a doctor.
Putting It All Together
Fungal infections of the feet and nails are common, but they can be irritating and uncomfortable. Getting the right diagnosis is key, so you know you’re treating the right problem. You also need to treat it the right way, with consistency, to get rid of the infection completely, and you’ll want to take steps to prevent reinfection.
Antifungal creams can be a good treatment option when used correctly and consistently. However, it’s always best to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to get personalized advice and learn about all your treatment options.