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The Best Antifungal Cream

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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Fungi are some of the most resilient organisms in the world and can live in the air, soil and water. Unfortunately, harmful fungi can also live on the human body and cause some common infections. Left untreated, these infections can often worsen and remain for a prolonged period of time. The good news is there are currently a variety of different products available to help combat these unwanted intruders.

Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media

The most common types of fungal infections are tinea pedis (commonly known as athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) and tinea cruris (jock itch). Yeast infections caused by the Candida fungi are also common. Regardless of where on the body a particular fungal infection might flare up, the symptoms are generally very similar. Redness, burning and cracking of the skin, intense itching and inflamed rashes can all signal an infection.

Fungi grow best in warm, damp environments; therefore, it’s important to keep infected areas as dry as possible to help combat fungi and prevent reoccurrence. This can be a challenge though, especially for those with an active lifestyle. If this is a concern, take a look at Triple Paste’s AF Antifungal Nitrate Medicated Ointment. Their waterproof formula helps the cream to stay in place and prevents sweat from dissolving it, which can be a big help if you want to apply it before a workout.

Also be aware that certain medications can be more effective for treating particular types of fungi. For example, studies have shown that terbinafine is highly effective for treating athlete’s foot. Lamisil’s AT Cream was specifically designed to treat athlete’s foot by including terbinafine as an active ingredient.

Doctors recommend that you wash and clean areas affected by fungal infections regularly. Some products tap into the power of natural ingredients that can help soothe skin. Used in conjunction with topical creams, this body wash can provide an extra level of defense against the infection.

Make sure to avoid tight-fitting socks and footwear, wash regularly, keep the affected area as dry as possible and use sandals in communal areas such as gym showers and locker rooms.

One last point: don’t let the infection stress you out! Stress can negatively impact your immune system, which you’ll want at full force. With the help of effective topical treatments and some preventative measures, most fungal skin infections can be cured fairly quickly.

Our Picks For The Top Antifungal Creams

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Terrasil Organic Ultra-Quick Antifungal Cream

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Terrasil

Organic Ultra-Quick Antifungal Cream

This antifungal cream is so effective, it works six times faster than other ointments on the market. Users will also love that the cream is formulated with organic ingredients that won't irritate sensitive skin. In fact, the tube includes moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated.

Overall Take

Fast ReliefUse this antifungal cream to treat everything from seborrheic dermatitis to ringworm to jock itch.

 Runner Up

McKesson Itch Control Latex-Free Antifungal Cream

McKesson

Itch Control Latex-Free Antifungal Cream

This antifungal cream uses the active ingredient miconazole nitrate to treat a variety of fungal infections. It goes on nice and smooth and can be used twice per day for relief and healing. The cream is safe for children ages 2 and up.

Overall Take

Goes on SmoothThe small size of this antifungal cream makes it easy to toss in a gym or travel bag.

 We Also Like

Triple Paste AF Anti-Chafing Water-Resistant Antifungal Cream

Triple Paste

AF Anti-Chafing Water-Resistant Antifungal Cream

This topical antifungal cream earns our top spot for its unique waterproof formula that helps keep it in place, even during workouts. From the moment it's applied, it provides soothing relief with an effective dose of 2% Miconazole. Zinc oxide also helps to keep the affected area dry which helps prevent further infection.  You'll pay a few extra d...

Overall Take

Waterproof formulaUnique waterproof formula keeps it in place, even during workouts. Provides soothing relief and keeps your skin dry to prevent further growth.

 Strong Contender

Miconazole Pharmacist Recommended Frontline Antifungal Cream

Miconazole

Pharmacist Recommended Frontline Antifungal Cream

This antifungal cream delivers a powerful defense against all types of fungal skin infections. Users were impressed with the high 2% strength of miconazole in this cream along with its reasonable price tag. Some testers noticed an unpleasant smell with this product and found that it had a thinner consistency than other creams, but that wasn't a bi...

Overall Take

Powerful DefenseVersatile and affordable. A powerful defense against all types of fungal skin infections.

What to Look For

  • Have you been on a prescribed course of antibiotics lately? Antibiotics can sometimes produce the unwanted result of wiping out certain beneficial bacteria in your system. These bacteria help keep your system in balance and can prevent the spread of unwanted organisms like fungi. If you are currently taking antibiotics and you’ve recently developed a fungal infection, talk to your doctor about possible changes in medication.
Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media
  • Diaper rash is often caused by a fungal infection and can be treated effectively and safely using clotrimazole.
  • The fungus that causes ringworm is highly contagious, so be careful with items such as towels, clothes or hair brushes. If, for example, a brush was used when scalp ringworm was still active, it could cause a new breakout.  During the course of treating a fungal infection, it’s best not to reuse such items without sterilizing and cleaning them first.
Kristin Forte/Simplemost Media
  • In addition to keeping the above items clean, it’s a smart idea to clean areas like bathtubs, showers, bathroom floors, sinks and counters with a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Chlorine bleach is a disinfectant that kills mold. This will again lessen the chance for reoccurrence of an infection, which is the ultimate goal.
  • Clip toenails short to prevent possible infection, but not too short. A good rule of thumb (or toe in this case) is to cut the nail straight across so the edge reaches the tip of your toe.
  • Be careful to read the ingredients list on any lotion or cream to check for potential allergens. If you are unsure which topical medicine is right for you, ask your pharmacist for advice.
  • The chance for contracting a fungal infection increases as the temperature rises. Fungi grow more rapidly in warmer environments, so make sure to limit the amount of time spent lounging in wet bathing suits or workout clothes.
  • If you are looking for an all-natural balm for treatment, go with a product that offers ingredients such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil. These all-natural products can also be excellent options for ongoing skin care routines.
  • Consider eating certain foods that can be effective in boosting your immune system. Fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, garlic and turmeric are just a few of the foods that have been shown to give us an immune boost. A glass of cranberry juice per day or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water can also help due to their natural anti-fungal properties.

More to Explore

If you are currently suffering from a fungal skin infection, consider yourself somewhat fortunate. Up until the late 1960s, there were few drugs available to fight fungal infections. From the period of 1970 to 1990, tremendous advancements were made in antifungal drugs that are both safe and effective. Today, there is a wide range of oral and topical medicines that are available.

More to explore