Does athlete's foot cream help toenail fungus?

Why does the cream work on skin but not nails?

An antifungal medicine kills fungus or stops it growing, but it also needs to reach the infection. Skin terbinafine creams cannot penetrate nails; nail treatments are made for that different job. The word antifungal describes a job, not a universal access pass. Terbinafine also comes as prescription tablets for fungal nails. A shared brand name does not make a cream and a tablet interchangeable, however tidy that would make the bathroom cupboard.134

What should you do instead?

1. 1Have the nail checked. A thick or discoloured nail is not automatically fungal: nail injury and psoriasis can look similar. A clinician can examine it and take a sample if needed.
2. 2Ask about a nail treatment. The choice depends on how much nail is affected, your health and the medicines you take.
3. 3Treat athlete's foot at the same time. Apply the skin medicine as directed and finish the course, even if itching or peeling clears first.
4. 4Keep feet clean and dry. Dry between the toes, change socks daily, alternate shoes so they dry between wears, and use a separate towel for infected feet.

Which treatments are used for toenail fungus?

Very thick nails can make nail medication harder to penetrate. A podiatrist can reduce the thickness, and a clinician can consider urea treatment to soften or remove affected nail before lacquer treatment. Do not substitute a skin cream for these nail treatments.16

How long until the nail looks better?

Expect months, not days. Oral treatment commonly takes three to six months, sometimes longer, while the old affected toenail can take a year to grow out fully. Look for healthy new nail growing from the base. Even after successful treatment, the nail can remain slightly thickened or discoloured because of damage from the infection.67

What creams are used for foot fungus?

For athlete's foot on the skin, pharmacy options include terbinafine creams such as Lamisil and clotrimazole creams such as Canesten. Creams and sprays are applied directly to affected skin. Ask a pharmacist which preparation suits the area, and follow that product's frequency and duration rather than using nail treatment directions.346

When should you get medical help?

See a GP or podiatrist if treatment is not working, the infection reaches the nail base, or the nail becomes painful. Inflamed skin around the nail, especially with fluid discharge, also needs assessment because a bacterial infection can develop.26

Before starting antifungals, discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, existing conditions and other medicines with a pharmacist or doctor. Tablets can require liver blood tests. Skin treatments can cause irritation. Stop the medicine and seek medical help for severe blistering, peeling or swelling; difficulty breathing needs emergency help.346