Fungal infections are more common than you might think. Athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and even some nail infections are all caused by different types of fungus. You can pick them up just about anywhere, and they can affect all sorts of different body parts.
Fortunately, there are some effective treatments available. One of the most popular is Terbinafine, an antifungal medication available as a cream, gel, spray, solution, or even in tablet form.
One popular brand of Terbinafine spray is Lamisil. Nail fungus Lamisil spray is a convenient, non-aerosol option for treating fungal skin infections, especially when you’re dealing with a larger area or hairy skin.
Understanding Lamisil Spray: Uses and How It Works
Lamisil spray is a common choice for dealing with skin fungus, but it’s important to know when it’s right for you.
What is Lamisil Spray Used For?
Lamisil spray is effective for treating common fungal skin infections, like:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
- Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes skin discoloration
The active ingredient, terbinafine, stops fungi from growing by interfering with their cell membrane production.
When Lamisil Spray Might NOT be Appropriate
There are times when Lamisil spray isn’t the best option. Avoid using it in or around your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina unless your doctor tells you to.
Be careful using Lamisil on broken skin or open wounds.
How to Use Lamisil Spray Effectively
If your doctor has prescribed Lamisil spray for a fungal infection, here’s how to use it correctly.
Preparation and Application
- Cleaning and drying: Before you spray, gently wash the area with soap and water. Then, pat it completely dry.
- Spraying technique: Hold the nozzle a few inches away from your skin and spray a thin layer over the infected area and the healthy skin around it.
- Dosage and frequency: In most cases, you’ll spray once or twice a day, but follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
- Duration of treatment: Keep using the spray for as long as your doctor prescribed, even if your symptoms start to clear up. How long you’ll need to use it depends on the type of infection you have.
Important Considerations During Treatment
Here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re using Lamisil spray:
- Don’t cover the treated area unless your doctor tells you to.
- Wash your hands really well after each time you spray.
- If you’re treating athlete’s foot, wear shoes that fit well and let your feet breathe. Change your socks every day.
Lamisil spray may cause skin discoloration if you’re using it for pityriasis versicolor. It can take months for the color to return to normal.
What are the side effects and precautions?
Like any medication, Lamisil Spray can cause side effects. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Side Effects
Some side effects are mild and temporary. You might experience:
- burning
- stinging
- itching
- redness
- dryness
These side effects should only occur where you’ve applied the spray.
Serious Side Effects and When to Seek Medical Attention
More serious side effects are rare, but you should be aware of them. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention right away.
- Allergic reactions: Watch for rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Signs of infection worsening: This includes blistering, oozing, or severe irritation.
Contact a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after the prescribed treatment period or if side effects are severe or persistent.
Precautions and Warnings
Before using Lamisil Spray, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or other medical conditions.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medication.
What about drug interactions, overdose, and missed doses?
Drug interactions
As with any medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you’re taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal remedies. It’s always a good idea to keep a list of your medications and dosages with you.
Overdose
Using too much topical Lamisil spray may cause skin irritation. If you think you’ve used too much or are experiencing unusual symptoms, call your doctor or your local poison control center right away.
Missed doses
If you forget to apply a dose, do it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Don’t double up on doses to make up for a missed application.
If you find it hard to remember to apply the spray regularly, set a daily reminder on your phone or keep the spray in a place where you’ll see it every day.
How to store and dispose of Lamisil spray
Store your Lamisil spray at room temperature, and keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. Also, be sure to keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets.
When it’s time to dispose of empty or expired Lamisil spray bottles, don’t flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain. Instead, follow your community’s guidelines for disposing of medications. If you aren’t sure what those guidelines are, ask your pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lamisil spray be used for toenail fungus?
While Lamisil spray (terbinafine) is effective for treating athlete’s foot and other skin fungal infections, it’s generally not the first-line treatment for toenail fungus. Topical treatments often struggle to penetrate the nail bed effectively. Oral Lamisil is usually prescribed for toenail fungus, but always consult your doctor.
How to use Lamisil spray for toenail fungus?
Even though it’s less common, if your doctor recommends Lamisil spray for toenail fungus, clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. Spray a thin layer over the entire nail surface and surrounding skin. Let it dry completely before putting on socks or shoes. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding frequency and duration.
Why can’t you drink coffee with terbinafine?
There’s no direct contraindication between coffee and terbinafine (Lamisil). However, both can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset. If you experience nausea, heartburn, or other digestive issues while taking terbinafine, you might want to limit caffeine intake to see if it alleviates your symptoms.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Some people report success using Vicks VapoRub for nail fungus due to ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have antifungal properties. Others explore options like snakeroot extract for toenail fungus. While it might help inhibit fungal growth in some cases, it’s not as effective as prescription antifungal medications. It’s best considered a complementary treatment, not a replacement for medical advice.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
You should never attempt to cut your entire toenail off due to a fungal infection. This can lead to serious complications like infection and ingrown toenails. While you can trim the nail to keep it short and remove loose or detached portions, leave the removal of the entire nail to a medical professional if necessary.
In Summary
Lamisil spray is a useful topical treatment for a variety of fungal skin infections when used as directed.
It’s important to follow the directions for using Lamisil spray, and to continue to use it for the full course of treatment your doctor recommends. Don’t stop using it just because your symptoms seem to be improving, or the infection could come back.
If your symptoms don’t improve, or if they get worse while you’re using Lamisil spray, it’s important to contact your doctor. They may recommend alternative treatments, such as boric acid, to fight toenail fungus. They may want to evaluate you to make sure it’s a fungal infection, and they may want to prescribe a different medication.