Antifungal creams are used to cure a variety of ailments including jock itch, athlete’s foot, yeast infections, and finger and toenail infection. They are topical medications that include active ingredients designed to reduce fungal growth. The ingredients might include miconazole, econazole, tioconazole, and clotrimazole. Most of these medications are available over the counter. Sometimes the creams include hydrocortisone, which reduces the itching that often accompanies infections related to fungal growth. How to choose antifungal cream? What are the recommended brands?

How to Choose the Best Antifungal Creams

The following is a step-by-step guide to choosing a fungal cream that is right for you.

1. Determine the Fungal Type

The most important thing you can do to properly treat a fungal infection and choose the right antifungal cream is to determine what type of infection you have. The Internet can be a great source of information for identifying your infection. Look for photos and written descriptions that match your symptoms. If you are unable to make an accurate diagnosis, contact your doctor.

2. Know if You Need to Treat Other Conditions

Sometimes you must treat a fungal infection along with other symptoms. For instance, you might have a rash in conjunction with your fungal infection. Steroids can be effective for treating a skin rash. There are many instances in which a fungal affection is paired with other issues.

3. Ask about Antifungal Creams to Avoid

There might be certain treatments that are not right for you. Sometimes a person’s skin type, body chemistry, or complexion makes them a poor candidate for certain treatments. Different people respond differently to various treatments. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about any possible difficulties with certain creams.

4. Read the Labels

Before using a treatment for fighting a fungal infection, make sure to read the complete label or information pamphlet included with the treatment. Many treatments are the same, even if their brand names are different. You can often save a great deal of money choosing one treatment over another and opting for an off-brand. Do not assume the most expensive or well-known option is the best for you.

5. Decide If You Need a Prescription Cream

Sometimes an over-the-counter remedy is not enough to treat an infection. You might need a prescription medication from your doctor. This is usually determined by the severity of the infection. Those that go untreated for a long time often need prescription treatment.

Best Antifungal Creams to Try 

1. Lotil Cream

This cream is one of the most popular options in the United Kingdom for treating fungal infections. In addition to treating the infection, it also eases flaking, itchy and dry skin. Many use it to treat allergic rashes and eczema. The cream is often recommended by podiatrists for treating athlete’s foot and dermatologists for treating various skin infections.

2. PediFix FungaSoapLiquid with Tea Tree Oil

This is actually not a cream, but liquid soap. However, it is a highly effective treatment for fungal infections. It can be used in conjunction with one of the creams included on the list to achieve a thorough treatment course. It is especially effective for treating jock itch, athlete’s food, nail infections, and skin rashes. In addition to treating the specific fungal infection, the tea tree oil provides anti-septic healing properties that speed healing and calms and dries the skin. This also helps to reduce itching.

3. Tinactin

The active ingredient in Tinactin is tolnaftate. It alters the fungal cells to kill the infection. This cream is effective for treating ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. It can also be used as a preventative agent for those prone to athlete’s foot. In addition to killing the infection, this cream also relieves chafing, itching, and burning. It is one of the most popular creams available and can be found in most pharmacies and discount stores.

4. Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP 1%

This cream treats a variety of problems, including athlete’s food, jock itch, and ringworm. It is considered the best-selling antifungal cream on the market and has a trusted brand name. In addition to treating the fungal infection, the cream also soothes and moisturizes the skin. The ingredients are anti-inflammatory and help ease itching and dry sin. It is an inexpensive cream that is considered both safe and effective.

5. Lotrimin AF Antifungal Cream

This cream is advertised as a treatment for athlete’s foot, but it can treat a variety of other fungal infections. This includes jock itch and ringworm, and some find it effective for treating diaper rash. Users only need a small amount of cream to accomplish healing. This is an extremely popular option for treating fungal infections and can be found in most stores. There are minimal side effects, but if you have concerns, you can speak with the pharmacy or your doctor.

6. Lamisil

This best antifungal cream contains terbinafine hydrochloride as its active ingredient. This treats the side effects of fungal infections, including burning and itching skin. It also kills fungus by triggering a leaking effect in fungal cells. It occasionally triggers allergic reactions and skin irritation, but many find it extremely useful. This is a popular treatment for most fungal infections and can be found in a variety of discount stores and pharmacies.

7. Tioconazole

This cream is intended to treat yeast infections. It provides fast relief of the itching associated with yeast infections. It can also ease redness and inflammation. The cream includes an applicator that makes it easy to treat infections occurring within the vaginal cavity. It should be noted that the other creams included on this list should not be inserted into the body unless specifically advised by a doctor. The cream pictured above is specifically designed to treat vaginal yeast infections, so it is safe to use in these cases.