Lamisil Spray Nail Fungus: Does It Actually Work?

Fungal infections are common. They can affect your skin, your toenails, and other parts of your body.

One of the medications people use to treat fungal infections is Lamisil. Lamisil contains the active ingredient terbinafine, which stops fungi from growing.

Lamisil comes in several forms, including a spray. While many people find the spray to be a convenient way to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections, it’s important to know that Lamisil spray is not intended to treat nail fungus.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Lamisil spray is, what it’s used for, and why it’s not usually recommended for nail fungus.

What is Lamisil Spray?

Lamisil Spray is a topical medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin. It’s easy to find in most pharmacies and online retailers.

Active ingredient: Terbinafine

The active ingredient in Lamisil Spray is terbinafine, an antifungal medication. Terbinafine works by stopping the growth of fungi, which helps to clear up the infection.

Lamisil Spray contains 1% terbinafine.

Formulation and availability

Lamisil Spray is available as a non-aerosol topical spray. You can find it in various sizes, such as 15ml and 30ml bottles.

These days, you can buy it online, and sometimes you can even get it delivered the next day.

Intended uses

Lamisil Spray is made for treating fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It’s also effective against pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes small, discolored patches of skin.

Lamisil Spray for Nail Fungus: Does it Work?

Let’s get one thing straight: Lamisil Spray is generally not intended to treat toenail fungus. That’s because the spray is designed to be applied to the skin, not to penetrate a hard toenail.

And that brings us to the bigger issue of why topical treatments often fail when it comes to nail fungus. The fungus lives deep within your nail bed, and the medication just can’t reach it effectively when applied to the surface.

So, what does work? You might ask your doctor about:

• Oral antifungal medications, such as Terbinafine tablets
• Topical nail lacquers that contain antifungal agents
• Laser therapy
• Surgical removal

Note that oral medications can have side effects, so you’ll want to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, including exploring alternative treatments like copper sulfate for nail fungus.

How to use Lamisil Spray

If your doctor has prescribed Lamisil spray, here’s what you need to know about using it:

1. Preparation: Before you spray anything, make sure the area is clean and dry. Washing with soap and water is a good idea.
2. Application: Hold the nozzle a few inches away (5-10 cm) and spray the affected skin and the surrounding area until it’s thoroughly wet.
3. Frequency and Duration: Typically, you’ll use the spray once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Even if your symptoms improve, keep using the spray for the entire time your doctor prescribed.
4. Important Precautions: Be super careful to avoid getting the spray in your eyes, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Wash your hands before and after you apply it.

Side effects and precautions

Like any medication, Lamisil Spray has potential side effects and requires certain precautions.

Common side effects

Some people experience mild side effects, such as:

• burning
• itching
• redness
• irritation at the application site
• skin peeling

Serious side effects

Get medical help right away if you experience:

• blistering
• swelling
• oozing
• signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing

Precautions

Before using Lamisil Spray, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies or other medical conditions you have. Use with caution if you have broken skin or open wounds.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medication.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements. Drug interactions are possible, and your doctor needs to have a complete picture of your medications to advise you properly.

Lamisil Spray for specific conditions

Lamisil Spray is often recommended for skin conditions that are not on the nails. Here’s how it can help with other conditions.

Athlete’s foot

Lamisil Spray is a great option for treating athlete’s foot.

Along with treating your feet with medication, such as Dr. Scholl’s medication, be sure to practice good foot hygiene by wearing well-ventilated shoes that fit you correctly, and change your socks every day.

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between your toes. Fungus tends to grow well in moist environments.

Ringworm

Lamisil Spray can also treat ringworm, and in some cases, it may be more effective than taking oral medication.

Pityriasis (Tinea versicolor)

You can also use Lamisil Spray to treat pityriasis, a common fungal infection that causes small, discolored patches on your skin. It’s also known as tinea versicolor.

Keep in mind that after treatment, your skin may remain discolored for several months.

COMPARING LAMISIL SPRAY TO OTHER TREATMENTS

So, how does Lamisil spray stack up against other treatments?

• Lamisil Cream vs. Spray: The spray is great for hard-to-reach areas, while the cream is better for targeted application.
• Oral Lamisil (Terbinafine tablets): Oral Lamisil is usually more effective, but it comes with a higher risk of side effects. Topical treatments like Lamisil spray have fewer side effects because they aren’t absorbed into the body.
• Other Topical Antifungals: There are other over-the-counter options like clotrimazole and miconazole, but Lamisil (terbinafine) is usually considered more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Lamisil spray is a good treatment for some fungal skin infections, but it’s usually not the best choice for treating nail fungus. If you think you have a fungal infection, talk with your doctor to get a diagnosis and find out about the best treatment options for your situation.