Can you use athlete's foot cream for ringworm?

Does athlete's foot cream work on ringworm?

Athlete's foot is ringworm of the foot, also called tinea pedis. The fungus can grow on other parts of the body too. Antifungal medicines work by killing fungi or stopping their growth. Common athlete's foot treatments contain clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine or tolnaftate. A pharmacist can help you choose a medicine for the affected area, especially if you are unsure whether the rash is fungal.23

How to apply the cream

1. 1Read the medicine's leaflet and check with a pharmacist if you are unsure about suitability or directions.
2. 2Gently wash the affected skin with warm water and gentle soap, then dry it carefully.
3. 3Apply the antifungal cream consistently for the full treatment course.
4. 4Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the rash.

How often should you use athlete's foot cream?

Twice daily, morning and night, is a common schedule for clotrimazole or tolnaftate used for skin ringworm. Check the directions for your particular medicine rather than applying that schedule to every antifungal. Treatment duration also matters: athlete's foot care can include continuing medicine for 1 to 2 weeks after the infection clears. Ask a pharmacist how long to continue when treating ringworm elsewhere.123

When should the rash improve?

Skin ringworm should start improving within a few days, although mild cases can take a few weeks to clear. With athlete's foot, itching and irritation can fade before the infection has gone. Finish the full course even when symptoms improve, because stopping early can allow the infection to return and make it harder to treat.14

Keep the fungus from spreading

Athlete's foot spreads through direct contact and contaminated items or surfaces. Do not share towels, socks or shoes. Keep affected feet clean, dry and cool, including between the toes. Change socks and shoes as needed to keep feet dry, and wear sandals in communal showers. Scratching infected feet can spread fungus elsewhere.245

The same fungus can grow on feet and elsewhere on the body, so an athlete's foot label is not an exclusive job contract.2

Who should check before using it?

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before choosing an antifungal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines, or have allergies or an existing condition that affects treatment. For children, check the appropriate medicine and dose rather than borrowing an adult's routine. Antifungals can cause itching, burning, redness or a rash; ask about possible side effects when choosing a product.3

When to get medical help

See a clinician if ringworm has not improved within two weeks, is spreading or worsening, or affects delicate areas such as around the eyes or genitals. Get help for pain, pus, fever or red streaks. Avoid hydrocortisone on ringworm: it can worsen the infection and disguise the rash.1

Stop the medicine and seek medical help for severe peeling or blistering, or swelling of the face, neck or tongue. Difficulty breathing needs emergency care.3