How effective is Lamisil cream for treating toenail fungus. What are the main uses and potential side effects of Lamisil cream. Is Lamisil cream recommended as a first-line treatment for onychomycosis.

Understanding Lamisil Cream and Its Active Ingredient

Lamisil cream is a topical antifungal medication containing the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride. This synthetic allylamine antifungal works by interfering with the fungal cell membrane, ultimately leading to the death of fungal cells. While Lamisil cream is primarily used for various superficial fungal infections of the skin, its effectiveness for treating toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a topic of interest for many patients and healthcare providers.

How Does Terbinafine Work?

Terbinafine, the active component in Lamisil cream, operates through a unique mechanism:

• It inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis
• This inhibition leads to a deficiency in ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes
• The deficiency causes structural defects in the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death
• Terbinafine also causes an accumulation of squalene within the fungal cells, which is toxic to them

Effectiveness of Lamisil Cream for Toenail Fungus

Is Lamisil cream an effective treatment for toenail fungus? The answer is not straightforward. While Lamisil cream has shown efficacy in treating various superficial fungal infections of the skin, its effectiveness in treating toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is limited. This is primarily due to the difficulty in penetrating the nail plate to reach the infection site.

Limitations of Topical Treatment for Onychomycosis

Treating toenail fungus with topical medications like Lamisil cream presents several challenges:

• The thick, hard nature of the toenail makes it difficult for the medication to penetrate
• The infection often resides deep within or under the nail, areas that topical treatments struggle to reach
• The required duration of treatment is often long, which can lead to inconsistent application and reduced effectiveness

Due to these limitations, oral antifungal medications are generally considered more effective for treating toenail fungus. However, Lamisil cream may be used as an adjunct therapy or in cases where oral medications are contraindicated.

Primary Uses of Lamisil Cream

While its efficacy for toenail fungus may be limited, Lamisil cream is highly effective for treating various superficial fungal infections of the skin. Its primary uses include:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)
• Ringworm (tinea corporis)
• Pityriasis versicolor
• Candida skin infections

For these conditions, Lamisil cream has shown high cure rates and is often recommended as a first-line treatment option.

Proper Application of Lamisil Cream

To maximize the effectiveness of Lamisil cream, proper application is crucial. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Clean and thoroughly dry the affected area before application
2. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area and surrounding skin
3. Gently rub the cream into the skin
4. Wash your hands after application to prevent spreading the infection
5. Use the cream as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily
6. Continue using the cream for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve early

Consistency in application and adherence to the prescribed duration are crucial for achieving optimal results.

Potential Side Effects of Lamisil Cream

While Lamisil cream is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Understanding these potential adverse reactions is important for users:

Common Side Effects

• Skin irritation or redness at the application site
• Itching or burning sensation
• Skin dryness or peeling

Less Common Side Effects

• Contact dermatitis
• Exacerbation of existing skin conditions
• Allergic reactions (rare)

If you experience persistent or severe side effects, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend discontinuing use or switching to an alternative treatment.

Comparing Lamisil Cream to Other Antifungal Treatments

How does Lamisil cream compare to other antifungal treatments? The effectiveness and appropriateness of antifungal treatments can vary depending on the specific infection and individual patient factors:

Topical Treatments

• Lamisil cream (terbinafine): Highly effective for superficial skin infections, limited efficacy for nail infections
• Ciclopirox (Penlac): FDA-approved for nail infections, but with limited efficacy
• Clotrimazole: Effective for many superficial fungal infections, including some Candida infections
• Miconazole: Commonly used for athlete’s foot and other superficial fungal infections

Oral Treatments

• Oral terbinafine: Considered the gold standard for treating toenail fungus
• Itraconazole: Effective for both skin and nail fungal infections
• Fluconazole: Used for various fungal infections, including some cases of onychomycosis

The choice between these treatments depends on factors such as the type and severity of the infection, patient preferences, and potential drug interactions or contraindications.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While Lamisil cream is available over-the-counter in many countries, there are situations where it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional:

• If symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment
• If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system
• If the infection appears to be spreading or affecting a large area
• If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction
• If you’re unsure about the diagnosis or appropriate treatment

A healthcare provider can offer a definitive diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may or may not include Lamisil cream.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Fungal Infections

While Lamisil cream and other conventional antifungal treatments are often the first line of defense against fungal infections, some individuals may be interested in alternative or complementary approaches. These can include:

Natural Remedies

• Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal properties
• Vinegar soaks: May help create an inhospitable environment for fungi
• Garlic: Contains compounds with antifungal properties
• Oregano oil: Has shown some antifungal activity in studies

Lifestyle Modifications

• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Wearing breathable footwear
• Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas
• Maintaining good overall hygiene

It’s important to note that while these alternative approaches may offer some benefits, their efficacy is often not as well-established as conventional treatments like Lamisil cream. They should be viewed as complementary to, rather than replacements for, proven medical treatments.

Prevention of Fungal Infections

Preventing fungal infections is often easier than treating them. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk of developing fungal infections:

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
• Change socks regularly, especially if your feet tend to sweat
• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, socks, or shoes
• Choose breathable footwear and avoid tight-fitting shoes
• Trim nails regularly and keep them short
• Use antifungal powders or sprays in your shoes if you’re prone to fungal infections

By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing fungal infections and potentially avoid the need for treatments like Lamisil cream.

The Future of Antifungal Treatments

As research in the field of dermatology and mycology continues, new treatments for fungal infections are being developed. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Novel antifungal compounds with improved nail penetration
• Combination therapies that leverage multiple mechanisms of action
• Nanotechnology-based delivery systems for improved drug efficacy
• Photodynamic therapy for treating nail fungus
• Immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance the body’s natural antifungal defenses

While Lamisil cream remains a valuable tool in treating certain fungal infections, future advancements may offer even more effective and convenient treatment options, particularly for challenging conditions like toenail fungus.

Conclusion: The Role of Lamisil Cream in Fungal Infection Treatment

Lamisil cream, with its active ingredient terbinafine, plays a significant role in the treatment of various superficial fungal infections. Its effectiveness in treating skin conditions like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm is well-established. However, its utility in treating toenail fungus is limited due to the challenges of penetrating the nail plate.

For individuals dealing with superficial fungal skin infections, Lamisil cream often serves as a first-line treatment option. Its ease of use, relatively low risk of side effects, and proven efficacy make it a popular choice among patients and healthcare providers alike.

However, for toenail fungus (onychomycosis), oral antifungal medications are generally considered more effective. Lamisil cream may be used as an adjunct therapy in these cases or when oral medications are contraindicated.

As with any medical treatment, the decision to use Lamisil cream should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They can provide a proper diagnosis, consider individual patient factors, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

While Lamisil cream is an important tool in the antifungal arsenal, it’s crucial to remember that prevention is key. Practicing good hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear, and taking care of your skin and nails can go a long way in preventing fungal infections from occurring in the first place.

As research continues and new treatments emerge, the landscape of antifungal therapy may evolve. However, tried-and-true treatments like Lamisil cream are likely to remain valuable options for many patients dealing with fungal infections.

Lamisil User Reviews for Onychomycosis, Toenail

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Lamisil
has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 107 reviews
for the
treatment of Onychomycosis, Toenail.
60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative experience.

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All conditionsCutaneous Candidiasis (2)Onychomycosis, Fingernail (7)Onychomycosis, Toenail (115)Tinea Capitis (2)Tinea Corporis (1)Tinea Cruris (1)Tinea Pedis (9)

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6.9/10 average rating

107 ratings from 115 user reviews.

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Lamisil cream (terbinafine): uses and side effects

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Doctors prescribe Lamisil cream to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, pityriasis versicolor and Candida skin infections.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lamisil cream, including how it works, who shouldn’t use it and the potential side effects:

How does Lamisil cream work?

Lamisil cream contains the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride, which is an antifungal medicine. It kills the fungi that are causing an infection by causing holes to develop in the fungal cell membranes.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. By causing holes to appear in the cell membranes, terbinafine kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection.

💡Key facts about Lamisil cream

• Lamisil cream is a brand name for terbinafine cream.

• The cream is only licensed for adults aged 16 years and older, but doctors sometimes prescribe it for children.

• The cream should be applied to affected areas of skin once or twice a day for one to two weeks, as directed by your doctor.

• Complete the prescribed course, otherwise the infection may come back.

• The most common side effects are skin peeling or itching.

Who shouldn’t use Lamisil cream?

Most people can use Lamisil cream. However, make sure you check with your doctor if you are or think you could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Don’t use the cream if you know you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

How do I use Lamisil cream?

Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying the cream.

Lamisil cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas of skin once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. Rub it in gently then wash your hands to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the body, or to other people.

Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying the cream.

Take care to avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse it out with water if you accidentally get it in these areas.

Use the cream for as long as your doctor tells you to. This will usually be one week for athlete’s foot, one to two weeks for ringworm or jock itch and two weeks for pityriasis or candidiasis. It’s important to complete the course, even if your symptoms have cleared up, otherwise the infection could come back.

If there are no signs of improvement after two weeks, see your doctor.

Lamisil cream side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Lamisil cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn’t mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects:

• Skin peeling or itching.

Uncommon side effects:

• Skin irritation in area of use, for example burning, stinging, itching, redness, rash. Stop using the cream and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a severe reaction to it.

Rare side effects:

• Dry skin.
• Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).

Read the leaflet that comes with the cream or ointment, or talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Lamisil cream. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

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Lamisil cream and other medicines

Lamisil cream is not known to affect other medicines.

However, if you need to use other topical medicines on the same area of skin it’s best to leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing or diluting on the skin.

Other medicines containing terbinafine

Terbinafine cream is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. The following medicines also contain terbinafine:

• Lamisil AT cream. Available from pharmacies to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm.

• Lamisil AT gel. Available from pharmacies to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm.

• Lamisil AT spray. Available from pharmacies and general retail outlets to treat athlete’s foot and jock itch.

• Lamisil once. Available from pharmacies to treat athlete’s foot.

• Lamisil or terbinafine tablets. Prescribed to treat fungal skin and nail infections when creams haven’t worked.

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Last updated 04.04.2020

Dr Roger Henderson
Dr Roger Henderson is a Senior GP, national medical columnist and UK medical director for LIVA Healthcare He appears regularly on television and radio and has written multiple books.

Medicines for nail fungus and skin – the best remedies for treatment

Nail and skin fungus is a common problem. It is enough to swim in the pool, take a shared shower or visit a bathhouse to become infected with this disease. Affected nails become yellow-gray and brittle, noticeably thicken. The disease not only spoils the appearance, but also causes severe physical discomfort: itching and burning of the affected skin.

If the fungus is not treated, then soon its pathogen will spread throughout the body. The spores enter the bloodstream, leading to allergic reactions. It is recommended to start treatment at an early stage and not stop therapy until all symptoms have passed.

Modern pharmacology offers many options for fungal drugs in various dosage forms. The choice of remedy depends on the type of fungus, the degree of the disease and the individual reactions of the body.

Classification of fungi

The following types of fungus are distinguished, depending on the spread of the process:

• Keratomycosis. The process of spreading spores occurs in the epidermis;

• Dermatomycosis. Affects the skin, hair and top layer of the nail plates;

• Candidiasis. Another name for the fungus is “thrush”. It usually affects the mucous membranes.

With systemic mycoses, not only the skin, but also the internal organs are infected.

By origin, fungi are:

• yeast;

• moldy;

• dimorphic.

Only yeasts are a natural component of the human microflora. The rest are pathogenic.

Types of preparations for fungus

Before you choose the right remedy, you need to pay attention to the main types of drugs for mycoses:

• Means for topical application. This category includes varnishes, ointments, gels and solutions. They help well in the initial stages of the development of the disease;

• Tablets and capsules. They are used inside, according to the purpose and instructions. They are necessary if the disease is advanced, and local remedies are no longer suitable.

To achieve optimal results, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis and determine the pathogen. In this case, therapy will bring the desired effect.

Drug List

When choosing drugs for a fungus, it is necessary to focus on effectiveness, the presence of side effects, symptoms and the course of the disease. It is important to take into account the individual intolerance of the components.

Antifungal antibiotics

If the fungal infection is systemic, an integrated approach is needed. Deep tissue damage, delamination of the nail plates and severe itching of the skin against the background of deteriorating general well-being suggest the use of not only local remedies, but also tablets.

Among the external means, it is worth highlighting drugs that contain naftifine. This component has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. With regular intake and in combination with other therapeutic agents, recovery occurs quickly.

Preparations with naftifine:

	Exostat solution 1% 15ml
	Mycoderil cream 1% 15g
	Exoderil cream 1% 15g

Topical preparations for ringworm and keratomycosis

Yeast, mold and dimorphic fungi can be cured with Terbinafine-based products. Popular drugs with this active ingredient:

	Lamicid drops for nails 15ml
	Lamicid spray for legs 15ml
	Lamisil cream 1% 15g
	Fungoterbin 1% 15g
	Exifin gel 1% 15g
	Terbizil cream 15g
	Terbix cream 1% 10g
	Exiter cream 1% 15g

Medicines with ketoconazole effectively fight fungal infections of the head, inguinal region. List of drugs:

	Shampoo Sulsen forte 250ml ketoconazole
	Shampoo Sulsen mite from dandruff 1% 250ml
	Sulsen forte paste 2% 75g ketoconazole
	Sulsen mite paste 1% 75g
	Shampoo Sulsen mite from dandruff 1% 150ml
	Shampoo Sulsen forte from dandruff 150ml
	Nizoral cream 2% 15g
	Mycozoral ointment 2% 15g
	Sebozol shampoo 100ml

Means based on miconazole, a synthetic substance with antifungal activity, are effective against dermatomycetes and yeasts, as well as the causative agent of multi-colored lichen. Miconazole preparations:

	Mycosone cream 2% 15g
	Gynocaps vag caps x 10

Antifungals for systemic candidiasis

The Candida fungus spreads inside the body: on the respiratory organs, in the digestive system, on the genitals. Sometimes it infects the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Often, with systemic candidiasis, the fungus also affects the outer tissues – the nail plates, the skin on the legs and arms. To get rid of the disease, it is important to start therapy in a timely manner. For the treatment of candidiasis, drugs with clotrimazole are used.

Popular remedies for the treatment of mycotic diseases caused by the Candida fungus:

	Flucorem 0. 5% gel 15g
	Canison plus cream 15g
	Canison cream 1% 20g
	Candide cream 15g
	Clotrimazole-Acrichin ointment 1% 20g
	Clotrimazole-Akos ointment 1% 20g
	Candide B cream 15g
	Candiderm cream 15g

How to choose drugs for fungus

To combat mild fungal infections, topical preparations are sufficient – varnishes, ointments, sprays, shampoos, special solutions. With advanced diseases, both local and systemic agents are used. Fungus tablets serve as a supplement, eliminating the pathogen from the subungual skin and other tissues. In the “Antifungal drugs” section of our website, you will find the medicines listed in this article, as well as their analogues.

Any drugs for the fungus should be selected with the help of a specialist who can determine the severity of the disease and take into account the individual characteristics of the organism.

The offer is not an offer, the presented preparations are a medicine, consultation of a specialist is necessary.

Treatment and removal of nail fungus in St. Petersburg

Dermatology

A dermatologist treats diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, hair and nails. It will help in solving problems with a fungal infection, various neoplasms (moles, warts, papillomas) and rashes.

Booking online

• Fungal treatment cost
• Symptoms
• Internal preparations
• External preparations
• Disinfection

Treatment of nail fungus is a long process that must be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a dermatologist. Self-administration of antifungal agents may lead to a temporary improvement in health, but does not guarantee the destruction of the fungus.

Cost of fungus treatment

Appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenereologist	1800
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenereologist	1500
Microscopic examination of skin scrapings for fungi (yeast, mold, dermatomycetes)	280
Microscopic examination of skin scraping for fungi (yeast, mold, dermatomycetes) repeated	220

See all prices

Doctor appointment

Select clinic. “Leninsky Prospekt” “Prospect of Enlightenment”

Select a servicePrimary appointment with a dermatovenereologistRepeated appointment with a dermatovenereologistPrimary examination of scrapings for fungiPrimary examination of scrapings for fungi

Symptoms

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a persistent infection that requires a long-term course of treatment. Depending on the stage of development of the disease, the price for the treatment of toenail fungus in St. Petersburg can vary significantly.

At the initial stage, the fungus is diagnosed by the following signs:

• Discoloration and tarnishing of the nails.
• Peeling of the skin.
• Skin irritation and itching.
• The occurrence of an unpleasant odor.
• Increased fragility of the nail plate.

When choosing drugs for treatment, a dermatologist should take into account the affected area of ​​​​the skin and the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient.

Internal preparations

The effect of the use of external agents appears only in the first stages of the disease. Therefore, when the first signs of infection appear, you should consult a doctor. The price of treating an advanced form of nail fungus increases significantly due to the need to use several drugs, both external and internal.

Effective antifungal drugs include fluconazole, ketonazole, itraconazole, and lamisil. As a rule, the course of treatment lasts approximately 10-12 months.

In the process of taking drugs, it is better to refrain from using other medicines, with the exception of those approved by the doctor. It is better to undergo nail treatment in the clinic – this will help to avoid unforeseen complications.

An effective way to get rid of the fungus today can be called the method of pulse therapy. The essence of this method lies in the long breaks between taking medications.

External preparations

The main drugs for external exposure are special varnishes. The medicine should be applied to a dry, clean and thoroughly degreased surface of the skin and nail plate. The use of such a drug should be accompanied by careful observance of the instructions for use. The price of varnishes for the treatment of nail fungus is not very high, so the remedy is very popular.

Another way to simultaneously treat several skin diseases can be a special cream, the principle of which is similar to other external preparations.

Keratolytic ointments and patches are used to remove affected nails. The composition of these drugs includes salicylic acid or urea. Additionally, an antiseptic or topical antifungal agent can be added. The use of these tools allows you to achieve softening of the nail and, as a result, its painless removal.

Disinfection

To effectively and quickly treat toenail fungus or handnail fungus and prevent its occurrence in the future, it is necessary to resort to disinfection of things. Walls, floors, inventory of bathrooms, baths, as well as shoes, linen and personal belongings of the patient are subjected to this procedure.

The main means of preventing fungal infections include:

• Thorough washing of the feet.
• Application of antifungal sprays.
• Wearing comfortable shoes.

Paid nail clinics in St. Petersburg can offer many ways to get rid of the disease. The total cost of procedures and consultations is almost always lower than when trying to fight the fungus on your own.