Can you use dimethicone with an antifungal?

What does each product do?

Dimethicone is an ingredient used in creams and ointments for dry skin. A dermatologist can also recommend a dimethicone barrier repair cream for dyshidrotic eczema, a type of eczema affecting the hands and feet. That cream creates a barrier against irritation while allowing skin to breathe. This is skin care, not fungal treatment. Topical antifungals are medicines applied to the skin to treat fungal infections; clotrimazole works by stopping fungal growth.34

How should you apply the antifungal?

1. 1Read the directions for your exact medicine. Terbinafine cream, gel, spray and single application solution have different instructions.
2. 2Wash the affected skin and dry it thoroughly. For feet, dry carefully between the toes.
3. 3Apply the directed amount. Clotrimazole and terbinafine creams are applied in a thin layer; gently rub terbinafine cream or gel into the infected area.
4. 4Wash your hands after applying terbinafine. Keep the medicine away from your mouth, lips and eyes.
5. 5Ask the pharmacist where the moisturizer fits into these directions. Do not assume the cream instructions also apply to a solution.

Dry skin and damp skin folds need different care

For dry skin, creams and ointments provide more moisture than lotions. Creams and ointments help dry skin more than lotions, so the bottle's elegant silhouette is not a treatment advantage. General dry skin care includes moisturizing after washing and whenever skin feels dry. At the antifungal application site, follow the medicine's instruction to dry the skin first rather than automatically applying everything to damp skin.15

Between the toes, keeping skin clean and dry is part of treating athlete's foot. Change socks and shoes as needed to keep feet dry. Candida infections in skin folds also need cool, dry skin and avoidance of tight clothing. A damp fold is not the same problem as dry skin elsewhere, so discuss moisturizer on that area separately.67

How often, and for how long?

Clotrimazole is usually applied morning and night. Symptoms should improve within 2 weeks for jock itch or 4 weeks for athlete's foot and ringworm. Terbinafine cream, gel or spray is usually used once or twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks. Finish the directed course even if symptoms improve. General antifungal treatment sometimes continues for 1 to 2 weeks after the visible rash clears, but use your medicine's specific schedule rather than extending every formula automatically.235

Which moisturizer should you choose?

Choose a product labelled "fragrance free", because "unscented" is not the same promise in a quieter voice. Unscented products can contain chemicals that hide other ingredients' odors and irritate dry, sensitive skin. If moisturizer causes burning, stinging or irritation, tell your dermatologist.1

When should you get medical advice?

Stop clotrimazole and call your doctor for blistering, redness, swelling, itching, burning, stinging, peeling, hives or skin cracks. Call if symptoms worsen or miss the improvement windows above; with terbinafine, seek advice if symptoms are not better within 2 weeks. A swollen, warm foot, red streaks, pus or fever needs prompt medical attention.356

Before using clotrimazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist about allergies, other medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding. If the antifungal also contains a strong steroid, get specific advice: strong topical steroids can mask fungal infection and allow it to become more extensive. Widespread, severe or persistent infection can require treatment beyond a topical antifungal.237