Antifungal Cream

Fungal skin infections are caused by three main groups: Dermatophytes (ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot), Malassezia (tinea versicolor), and Candida (candidal intertrigo in warm, moist areas). These fungi thrive in warm, humid, and airless environments. Key risk factors include excessive sweating, tight or non-breathable clothing, weakened immunity, and sharing personal items.

Fungal skin infections are treatable with topical antifungal creams in most cases, typically over 2-4 weeks. It's essential to complete the full course even after symptoms clear — stopping early is the main cause of relapse. Consult a pharmacist to select the right active ingredient for your specific infection type.

Intimo Life carries multiple antifungal active ingredients — each suited to different fungal types and infection sites.

• Clotrimazole (Canesten) — Broad-spectrum Azole; effective against Dermatophytes and Candida. Use for ringworm, tinea versicolor, jock itch, athlete's foot, and candidal intertrigo.
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral) — Potent Azole; especially effective against Malassezia (tinea versicolor).
• Econazole (Zema Cream/Lotion) — Broad-spectrum Azole; covers Dermatophytes, Candida, and some bacteria. Gentle on sensitive skin.
• Isoconazole (Travogen) — Once-daily Azole; excellent for jock itch and candidal intertrigo.
• Tolnaftate (Tonaf) — Targets Dermatophytes only; for ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, tinea versicolor. Does not cover Candida.
• Clotrimazole + Betamethasone (Myda-B) — Antifungal + steroid combination for severe inflammation. Maximum 2 weeks use only.

Consult a pharmacist to find the best match for your specific condition.

Different fungal infections are caused by different fungal species — but broad-spectrum Azoles (Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Econazole, Isoconazole) cover most types effectively.

• Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) — Dermatophyte infection on the body; round, itchy patches with clear borders. Use Clotrimazole or Econazole for 2-4 weeks.
• Tinea Versicolor — Malassezia infection causing patchy skin discolouration. Ketoconazole is most effective; Clotrimazole also works.
• Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) — Dermatophyte infection in the groin area; intensely itchy. Use Clotrimazole, Econazole, or Isoconazole.
• Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis) — Dermatophyte infection on feet and between toes. Use Clotrimazole or Tolnaftate.
• Candidal Intertrigo — Candida infection in moist skin folds. Use Clotrimazole or Isoconazole.

Correct application technique significantly affects treatment success.

• Clotrimazole (Canesten) — Apply 2-3 times/day for 2-4 weeks (ringworm/jock itch) or 4 weeks (athlete's foot)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral) — Apply 1-2 times/day for 2-4 weeks
• Econazole (Zema) — Apply 2 times/day for 2-4 weeks
• Isoconazole (Travogen) — Apply once daily for 3-4 weeks
• Tolnaftate (Tonaf) — Apply 2 times/day for 2-6 weeks
• Myda-B (Clotrimazole + Betamethasone) — Apply 2 times/day for no more than 2 weeks; do not apply to the face

Apply a thin layer covering the affected area plus a small margin beyond the visible lesion. Wash hands before and after application. If there is no improvement within 2 weeks, consult a pharmacist.

In addition to antifungal medication, lifestyle adjustments significantly affect how quickly you recover and prevent recurrence.

• Avoid tight or synthetic clothing that traps moisture — choose breathable cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Dry thoroughly after bathing — especially the groin, between toes, and underarms where moisture collects.
• Don't share personal items such as towels, clothing, or shoes with others.
• Reduce sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol — these promote fungal growth, particularly Candida.
• Avoid scratching the affected area — this spreads the infection to other body parts.
• Wash clothing at high temperatures (60°C or above) and dry thoroughly in sunlight.

Most fungal skin infections are contagious — particularly Dermatophyte infections (ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot) — though transmission usually requires prolonged contact, not brief touching.

• Main transmission routes — Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, sharing personal items (towels, clothing, shoes), or contact with contaminated surfaces at pools or locker rooms.
• Tinea versicolor (Malassezia) — Less contagious; this fungus naturally exists on skin and only overgrows when conditions are favourable (heat, humidity, oily skin).
• Prevention — Wear sandals in public facilities, wash clothing separately, dry skin thoroughly, and avoid sharing personal items.

Household members sharing the same environment as an infected person should monitor themselves for symptoms. Consult a pharmacist if you suspect early signs of infection.

Treatment duration depends on the type and location of the fungal infection.

• Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) — Symptoms improve in 1-2 weeks; continue treatment for the full 2-4 weeks
• Tinea Versicolor — Skin clears in 2-4 weeks, though skin colour may take several months to fully normalise
• Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) — Improves in 2 weeks; continue for 4 weeks total
• Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis) — 4-6 weeks; moccasin-type may require longer treatment
• Candidal Intertrigo — Improves in 1-2 weeks; treat for 2-4 weeks total

Do not stop treatment as soon as symptoms improve — residual fungal cells can cause relapse within 1-3 months. Consult a pharmacist if symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks.

Intimo Life carries all major antifungal active ingredients — order online with fast, discreet shipping in sealed packaging.

• Canesten Cream — Clotrimazole 1%, broad-spectrum
• Nizoral Cream — Ketoconazole 2%, best for tinea versicolor and Candida
• Tonaf — Tolnaftate, for Dermatophyte infections
• Zema Cream / Zema Lotion — Econazole, gentle on sensitive skin
• Travogen Cream — Isoconazole, once-daily application
• Myda-B — Clotrimazole + Betamethasone for inflamed infections

Not sure which antifungal is right for you? Chat with a pharmacist online for free before ordering. Also see our dermatitis treatments or acne treatments collections.