Antifungal cream is a topical cream meant to fight off various fungal infections. There are a number of fungal infections that people can contract that can be helped by antifungal cream, with some of the most common being thrush, yeast infections, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. Antifungal cream works by attacking the fungus itself, while trying to minimize the damage done to the person using the cream.

Many types of antifungal cream are available over the counter in the United States, with relatively small concentrations of an active ingredient. Some common active ingredients include econazole, tioconazone, clotrimazone, and miconazole. Often an antifungal cream will include hydrocortisone as well, which isn’t an antifungal, but does help to relieve itching. This way the cream not only kills the fungus, but gives temporary relief to the symptoms of the fungal infection while it is working.

Unlike bacteria, which are quite different from human cells, and therefore can be attacked more broadly without hurting the human, fungal cells are actually quite similar in some ways to mammalian cells. As a result, using an antifungal cream may have some side effects, as the cream damages both the fungus and the human skin. Generally these side effects are rather minor, however, and especially with low-strength antifungal cream they are unlikely to cause serious problems.

Because there are so many different fungal infections, and because there are so many different types of antifungal cream, there is no common way to use the cream. Generally a small amount will be applied, and it may be left on for a brief time and then washed off, or it may be left on for an extended period of time until it washes off on its own. Some antifungal creams may also be intended for internal application, as is the case with creams used to treat yeast infections. Always make sure to follow the instructions, and do not use more or less of the cream than is recommended.

Because fungus is contagious, it’s also a good idea to take care when applying the cream not to contaminate the tube itself. Wear plastic gloves, or use tissue paper to make sure that when you rub the cream on the affected area, you do not then touch anything else before you have washed your hands. If applying an antifungal cream to another person, make especially sure to clean your hands vigorously.

In some cases, an over-the-counter antifungal cream may not be strong enough to clear up a particularly severe fungal infection. If this is the case you should go see your doctor, so that he or she can prescribe you a more robust treatment. Generally this will not be an antifungal cream, but some sort of stronger antifungal agent meant to be taken orally to fight the systemic infection from the inside out.