Fungal infections are common — from athlete’s foot and ringworm to vaginal yeast and nail fungus. Most are easy to treat if you pick the right medicine and use it long enough. This page gives straight answers: what works, how long to treat, what to watch for, and when to get a doctor involved.
Topical antifungals: creams, sprays, and powders you can buy over the counter. Clotrimazole and miconazole are common. Use them for skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Apply as directed and continue for the full course (often 1–4 weeks) even if symptoms improve.
Oral antifungals: needed when infections are deep, widespread, involve nails, or don’t respond to creams. Fluconazole is often used for vaginal yeast infections (a single-dose 150 mg tablet is a common approach). Terbinafine and itraconazole are frequently used for nail fungus and some skin infections — these usually require weeks to months of treatment.
Prescription topical drugs: for tougher infections your doctor may prescribe stronger creams or medicated shampoos. These help when OTC options fail or if the infection is in sensitive areas.
Finish the course. Stopping early is the main reason infections come back. A skin cream might need a few extra days after symptoms disappear; nail treatments must continue for months.
Watch for side effects. Topical treatments can irritate skin. Oral antifungals can affect the liver, cause nausea, or interact with other meds (for example, fluconazole can interact with warfarin and some cholesterol drugs). If you’re on other prescriptions, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking an oral antifungal.
When to see a doctor: if the infection is on nails, if it keeps returning, if it spreads rapidly, or if you have diabetes, HIV, or a weakened immune system. Also see a doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — some antifungals aren’t safe then.
Testing matters for stubborn cases. If creams and short courses of pills don’t work, a doctor can do a skin scrape or nail culture to identify the fungus and pick the best drug. That helps when resistance is the issue.
Preventing repeats is simple: keep affected areas dry, change socks and underwear daily, avoid sharing towels, and let shoes dry out. For athletes, use breathable footwear and alternate pairs so they can air out.
Want specifics? Read our fluconazole and terbinafine articles for dosing details, safety checks, and what to expect week by week. If you’re unsure, ask a clinician — getting the right treatment early saves time and hassle.
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