Which is Best: Antifungal Cream, Ointment, or Powder?

A red, itchy, scaly rash can be unsightly and drive you crazy. But most fungal skin infections aren’t dangerous, and you can usually treat them easily with an antifungal cream for skin, ointments, or powders.

Read more to learn whether an antifungal cream, ointment or powder is best to treat your specific fungal skin infection.

What is skin fungus?

A fungus is a tiny organism, such as mold or mildew. Fungi are everywhere — in the air and water and on the human body. If one of the harmful fungi lands on your skin, it can cause a fungal infection. You may develop a rash or feel itchy. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the nails, feet, and areas of the body where there is high moisture such as the groin, buttocks, or armpits

What are the different types of fungal skin rashes?

ATHLETE’S FOOT

This is the most common type of fungal infection which is often caught when people walk barefoot in public bathrooms or locker rooms. The skin between your toes and the bottom of your feet turns white and starts to peel is very itchy.

Treatment:

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) creams, ointments, and powders that can treat Athlete’s foot such as Terbinafine and Clotrimazole antifungal cream.

NAIL FUNGUS

Nail fungus of the toenails is quite common, causing toenails to become yellow and thick and break easily.

Treatment:

Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure, even with topical antifungal products.  While there are antifungal creams for nails with fungus, the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills.

JOCK ITCH

Jock itch is a type of fungal infection that affects the groin area, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is more common in men vs women.

Treatment:

OTC antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays, or powders can effectively treat jock itch. The best antifungal cream for your private area (groin and buttocks) contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate, or terbinafine.

RINGWORM

Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection occurring in a rash of small circular patches, caused by any of number of fungi.

Treatment:

Using an antifungal cream for your face and body is the best treatment for ringworm. Apply an antifungal cream for ringworm such as Clotrimazole or Terbinafine work best. Ringworm can usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, ointments, or powders.

LIP FUNGUS

Lip fungus is caused by an overgrowth of Candida causing itchiness, burning and cracking in the corners of the mouth.

Treatment:

Medicated antifungal cream for lips and ointments such as Nystatin, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, or Miconazole can help clear up the redness and cracking on the lips.

OTC Anti-Fungal Medications

The most common and effective antifungal treatments come in a cream, ointment, spray, powder, and gel.

The active ingredients contain one or more of the following ingredients:

  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole,
  • Tolnaftate
  • Terbinafine Fluconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • Hydrocortisone

Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy provides effective and affordable over-the-counter treatments to give you relief from itchy and uncomfortable rashes. Buy online or visit any of our London pharmacies to find the one that’s right for you.