Fungal infections are incredibly common. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) affect millions of people. These infections can be more than just a nuisance; they can seriously impact someone’s quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to have effective treatment options.
Two over-the-counter (OTC) medications frequently used to combat these fungal foes are undecylenic acid and clotrimazole. Both are topical treatments, meaning you apply them directly to the affected area, but they work in different ways and belong to different classes of antifungals.
So, when faced with a fungal infection, how do you choose between undecylenic acid and clotrimazole? That’s what this article is all about. We’ll take a deep dive into comparing these two antifungals, looking at:
- How they work
- How effective they are
- How to use them
- Their side effects
- Which one might be better for specific types of fungal infections
This comparison will pull together information from clinical studies, expert opinions, and practical advice to help you make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you. Let’s get started with the comparison of undecylenic acid vs clotrimazole!
Fungal infections: Athlete’s foot and onychomycosis
Fungal infections are more common than people realize. The same types of fungus that cause athlete’s foot and toenail infections can also cause ringworm and jock itch.
Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on your feet. It’s often caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives on skin, hair, and nails.
Athlete’s foot can cause:
- itching
- burning
- stinging
- cracking
- scaling
These symptoms can occur between your toes, on the soles of your feet, or along the sides. There are different types of athlete’s foot, including:
- Interdigital: This is the most common type, and it occurs between the toes.
- Moccasin: This type affects the soles and heels of the feet.
- Vesicular: This type causes blisters on the feet.
Athlete’s foot is pretty common, especially when people spend time in warm, moist places. Wearing tight shoes, being in public facilities like pools or locker rooms, and sweating a lot can all raise your risk.
Onychomycosis (Fungal nail infection)
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, most often the toenails. When you have onychomycosis, your nails may:
- thicken
- change color
- become brittle
- distort in shape
Toenail infections can be harder to treat than skin infections because they require longer treatment times. Topical medications may not work as well, either, because the infection is under the nail.
Undecylenic Acid: How it Works, How Well it Works, and How to Use It
How undecylenic acid works
Undecylenic acid is a type of fatty acid that is used as an antifungal. It’s fungistatic, meaning that it stops fungus from growing. It does this by damaging the integrity of the fungal cell membrane. However, undecylenic acid isn’t as strong as some other antifungals.
How well undecylenic acid works
Undecylenic acid can be helpful for treating mild to moderate fungal skin infections. Studies show that it is effective against common dermatophytes (the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm). A review of studies showed that undecanoates had a relative risk (RR) of 0.29 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.70) compared with a placebo.
Undecylenic acid may not be as effective for severe infections or nail infections. It’s not as potent as other antifungals, which can limit how well it works in these more serious cases.
How to use undecylenic acid
If you’re using undecylenic acid for athlete’s foot, be sure to wash and dry the area first. Then, put a thin layer of the medicine on the affected skin. You’ll want to do this twice a day for four weeks.
Undecylenic acid comes in different forms, such as creams, liquids, and powders. It’s often used with other ingredients, such as zinc undecylenate, to help it work better.
Clotrimazole: How it Works, What it Treats, and How to Use It
How clotrimazole works
Clotrimazole belongs to a class of medications called azole antifungals. These medications work by stopping fungi from growing. They do that by preventing the fungi from making ergosterol, an important part of fungal cell membranes. When the fungi can’t make ergosterol, they die.
At lower doses, clotrimazole can slow the growth of fungi. At higher doses, it can kill them.
What clotrimazole treats
Clotrimazole is effective for treating a range of fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections. Studies have shown it works well against common fungi that cause skin problems, like dermatophytes and Candida species.
In fact, according to one large-scale study, azole antifungals improve symptoms and eliminate infections roughly 70% better than placebo treatments.
While resistance to clotrimazole can happen, it’s not very common.
How to use clotrimazole
If you’re using clotrimazole for athlete’s foot or another skin infection, make sure to:
- Wash and dry the area carefully before applying the medication.
- Apply a small amount of clotrimazole twice a day for two to four weeks.
Clotrimazole comes in different forms, such as creams, lotions, and solutions. It’s also available as a vaginal cream for treating yeast infections.
Undecylenic Acid vs. Clotrimazole: How Do They Stack Up?
When you’re dealing with a fungal infection like athlete’s foot or nail fungus, you want to know what’s going to work best. Two common over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are undecylenic acid and clotrimazole. Let’s break down how they compare.
What Kind of Fungi Do They Fight?
Clotrimazole has a broader reach, tackling yeasts (like the ones that cause yeast infections) and dermatophytes (the culprits behind athlete’s foot and ringworm). Undecylenic acid is mainly effective against dermatophytes.
How Well Do They Work?
Clinical trials tell us a lot. Allylamines and azoles have been shown consistently to produce much higher percentages of cure than placebo.
When we look at athlete’s foot and nail fungus, clotrimazole (an azole) has solid evidence backing it up. One systematic review found that topical antifungals, including azoles like clotrimazole, are effective for treating athlete’s foot. Allylamines tend to show increasing effectiveness over time compared to azoles, especially when you look at results six weeks later. If you need fast relief, clotrimazole might be a good choice but other options might provide better long-term results.
Are They Safe? What About Side Effects?
Generally, both undecylenic acid and clotrimazole are well-tolerated. The most common side effects are skin irritation, itching, and burning. Always read the label for warnings, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cost and Convenience
Both are usually available without a prescription. Prices can vary depending on the brand and the specific product (cream, solution, etc.). You can find both at most drugstores and online.
What Do Patients Prefer?
This comes down to personal preference. Some clotrimazole formulations only need to be applied once a day, which some people find more convenient. Undecylenic acid might have a stronger odor that some find unpleasant. It’s worth trying different options to see what works best for you in terms of ease of use and how well you stick to the treatment plan.
Practical advice and recommendations
So, how do you choose? Here are some things to consider.
When to choose undecylenic acid
If you have a mild case of athlete’s foot, try undecylenic acid, especially if you want a treatment that’s more natural or less intense than other options.
Undecylenic acid is also a good choice as a maintenance treatment to help keep the infection from coming back once you’ve cleared it up.
When to choose clotrimazole
Clotrimazole works on a wider range of fungal infections, so you might choose it for athlete’s foot that’s more severe or for ringworm.
If you’ve used azole antifungals in the past and they’ve worked well for you, clotrimazole may be a good choice.
When to seek professional medical advice
It’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider if you have a fungal infection that just won’t go away or if it’s severe, especially if it’s on your toenails or fingernails (onychomycosis). You’ll want to be sure you have a confirmed diagnosis based on lab testing.
In some cases, you may need prescription-strength antifungals, such as terbinafine, or even oral medications to get rid of the infection.
If you’ve been treating a fungal infection for more than four weeks and the symptoms aren’t getting better, it’s time to see a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best antifungal cream for a private area?
The “best” antifungal cream for a private area depends on the specific type of fungal infection. Common options include clotrimazole and miconazole, but it’s crucial to get a diagnosis from a doctor before self-treating. They can identify the fungus and recommend the most appropriate medication.
Which antifungal is most potent?
Potency varies depending on the fungus being targeted. Some antifungals, like amphotericin B, are reserved for severe, systemic infections due to their potential side effects. For common skin infections, prescription-strength azoles or allylamines might be more potent than over-the-counter options.
What is the deadliest fungal infection?
Invasive fungal infections, such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and candidiasis, can be life-threatening, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. These infections can spread rapidly and affect major organs, making early diagnosis and aggressive treatment critical.
Is there a stronger antifungal than clotrimazole?
Yes, there are several stronger antifungals than clotrimazole. These include prescription-strength azoles (like ketoconazole or fluconazole) and allylamines (like terbinafine). However, stronger doesn’t always mean better. Clotrimazole is often effective for mild-to-moderate infections and has fewer potential side effects.
What is the strongest treatment for fungal infection?
The strongest treatment for a fungal infection depends on the type and severity of the infection. For superficial infections, prescription-strength topical medications may be sufficient. Systemic infections often require intravenous antifungals, like amphotericin B or voriconazole. A doctor’s guidance is essential to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
In Summary
Undecylenic acid and clotrimazole are both over-the-counter antifungal medications, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Undecylenic acid is a naturally derived fatty acid that’s effective against many types of fungi and is often available in nail lacquer form. Clotrimazole is a synthetic antifungal that inhibits fungal growth. It’s available in cream and lotion form and is effective against a wider range of fungal species.
Both undecylenic acid and clotrimazole are good choices for treating fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Clotrimazole may be more effective for severe cases or infections caused by resistant fungi.
No matter which treatment you choose, remember that good hygiene is key to preventing and treating fungal infections. Keep your skin clean and dry, especially between your toes and in other areas where moisture can accumulate. Wear loose-fitting shoes and socks, and use antifungal powders to help absorb moisture. If your infection doesn’t improve after a few weeks of treatment, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a stronger prescription medication or other treatment.