Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition affecting toenails and fingernails.
Lamisil cream, containing the active ingredient terbinafine, is a topical antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections. But is it the right choice for nail fungus?
This article will focus on whether Lamisil cream dosage for nail fungus is appropriate and how to apply it, even though this cream is typically used for skin infections rather than nail infections.
How terbinafine works
Terbinafine is a topical treatment, meaning that it’s applied to the surface of the skin. You can use it to treat skin infections such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
The active ingredient in terbinafine can also treat nail fungus. But because nail fungus is embedded beneath the nail’s surface, it can be harder to treat with a topical cream than with an oral medication.
Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal. It stops the fungus from producing ergosterol, a substance that’s essential to fungal cell membranes.
Without ergosterol, the fungal cells die, and the infection goes away.
Lamisil cream dosage and application for nail fungus
Keep in mind that Lamisil cream is not usually the first treatment for nail fungus. Oral terbinafine, a pill, is often preferred because it gets into the nail bed more effectively, however, some may prefer a fungus nail spray.
Adult dosage
If you’re using Lamisil cream, you’ll likely apply it once or twice a day. Put a thin layer on the affected nail and the skin around it.
How long you’ll use the cream depends on how severe the infection is. Be sure to talk with your doctor about how long to use it. You may need to use other treatments at the same time, such as filing the nail.
Pediatric dosage
Lamisil cream is not generally recommended for kids under 12 unless a doctor says it’s OK. We don’t have enough information about how safe and effective it is for this age group when treating nail fungus.
Application instructions
- Wash and dry the area well before you put on the cream. Hygiene is super important to keep the infection from spreading.
- Apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in gently.
- Wash your hands really well after you put on the cream.
- Don’t cover the area with bandages unless your doctor tells you to.
Precautions and safety
When you’re using Lamisil cream, be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact occurs, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Stop using the cream if you develop irritation or sensitivity. If the condition worsens or doesn’t improve after several weeks, you should see a doctor. Common side effects include itching, burning, or redness where you put the cream, while other products such as Fungicure may have different results.
Finally, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using Lamisil cream.
Putting It All Together
Lamisil cream isn’t usually the go-to treatment for nail fungus, but it might help in some cases, for other treatments such as fungus nails laser treatment make sure you talk to your doctor. Make sure you talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and find out what treatment is best for you. If you do use Lamisil cream, follow the directions carefully. Watch out for side effects and call your doctor if you need to.