Fungal infections can appear on different parts of the body. While the majority of affected areas are mostly the skin and nails, some can lead to life threatening conditions like meningitis or pneumonia. Luckily, there are many types of antifungal medication available to fight and treat fungal infections.
Antifungal medicines work by either killing the fungus or preventing fungal cells from growing and moving. Antifungal medicines come in:
- Pessaries-small and soft tablet inserted in the vagina
- Injections
- Creams, gels, ointments or sprays
- Capsules, tablets or syrup.
Here is a list of the best creams for fungal infections in Malaysia:
Clotrimazole is a topical antifungal cream that treats certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections on the skin such as:
- Athlete’s foot
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
- Candidiasis- vaginal yeast infection.
- Pityriasis (tinea versicolor)
Clotrimazole prevents growth of several types of fungi by interfering with the production of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells.
It is used topically on the skin, or inserted vaginally to get rid of fungal infections.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area and a small amount to the surrounding area.
- Rub it gently.
You can use this medicine at regular intervals but not more often than instructed by your healthcare provider.
In applying the vaginal cream (not the skin cream), follow the package instructions on how to use the applicator with the cream.
- Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest.
- Insert one applicator filled with cream into the vagina as far as it can comfortably go.
- Slowly press the applicator in to apply the cream.
You should continue to use Clotrimazole every day as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms disappear.
Canesten Vaginal Cream is an over the counter antifungal cream used in the treatment of fungal vaginal infections that can cause vaginal burning, itching, and abnormal discharge. It contains clotrimazole as an active ingredient.
Canesten Vaginal Cream kills fungi by destroying the fungal cells membrane.
Carefully read the instruction on the leaflet on how to load the applicator.
- Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest.
- Carefully insert the end of the applicator containing the cream as deep as possible into the vagina.
- Hold the applicator in position and slowly push the plunger with the forefinger until it stops. This places the cream in the vagina.
- Remove the applicator from the vagina and dispose of it.
The cream should preferably be inserted just before bed time, to have the best effect. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the cream or using the applicator to avoid the possibility of re-infection.
Lamisil is an antifungal cream used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections including ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. It relieves itching, burning, cracking, and scaling symptoms caused by athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Lamisil cream also prevents athlete’s foot and ringworm from recurring for up to 3 months.
- Wash the infected area with warm water and a mild soap.
- Dry the washed area thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer to the infected spots and the adjacent areas.
For jock itch and ringworm, apply Lamisil Cream once daily for 7 days. For an athlete’s foot between the toes, apply Lamisil Cream twice daily for 7 days.
Freederm Gel Antifungal treats athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworms. It also treats pityriasis versicolor and fungal nail infection (cutaneous candidiasis).
- Cleanse and dry the infected area thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer onto the infected area and its surroundings.
- Rub it gently.
Duration of treatment is one to two weeks, apply once daily. To prevent recurrence, continue to treat the area for one to two weeks even after signs or symptoms of infections have gone.
It is a fungal infection cream containing micronised Clotrimazole 1%. It is an effective topical treatment for different fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.
- Wash and dry the affected areas.
- Apply Candazole Cream sparingly on the affected parts and surrounding skin areas.
Apply the cream twice daily, regularly for successful treatment.
Treatment should be continued for two weeks even after all clinical signs have disappeared. Consult your doctor if there is no improvement after 4 weeks.
It is used to treat fungal infections on the skin such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin).
Other than in cream, Ketoconazole is also available in gel and shampoo. The shampoo is used for treatment of dandruff.
The recommended dose of ketoconazole cream for treating cutaneous candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and pityriasis is 2%, apply once daily.
To treat seborrheic dermatitis, apply Ketoconazole cream 2% to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing.
This is a remedy for fungal infections on your skin and nails. Guardian antifungal cream contains 2% miconazole nitrate- an antifungal agent that inhibits fungal growth.
You can buy the antifungal cream Guardian, Malaysia over-the-counter.
Apply a thin layer of the cream on the affected area 2 to 3 times daily.
NOTE: A more severe response to antifungal medications may include:
- Swelling in your face, neck or tongue, as well as trouble breathing.
- The appearance of peeling or blistered skin.
- You may have nausea, vomiting, jaundice, dark urine or pale stools, fatigue, or weakness if you have liver impairment.
If any of the above occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist for another alternative.
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