The abundance of antifungal creams on the market right now is a clear indication that many people can be affected by fungal infections at one point in their lives. Most of these infections may occur on the skin, scalp, and nails. As fungal infections occur, you may notice some scaly rash or discoloration of your skin.
Without applying antifungal creams, the affected area may attract bacteria to enter and cause another type of infection. We have compiled some tips in a buying guide, with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, to help you choose the right one for you.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The pharmaceutical industry has been maximizing different kinds of antifungal creams for years. Fortunately, most of them can be accessed without needing a prescription. Clotrimazole and miconazole creams, for instance, work by destroying the fungal cell wall and hindering fungal growth.
Terbinafine, tolnaftate, and butenafine creams, on the other hand, deter fungal cells from growing and forming completely. If you want to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch, you can easily benefit from these antifungal creams. They can also sometimes treat tinea versicolor.
When it comes to a rash, it is best to consult a dermatologist to make sure that what you have is actually a fungal infection. Remember, there are many rash mimickers, and you don't want to self-medicate with the wrong one.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Apply the anti-fungal cream from out to in - this prevents it from spreading to nearby unaffected areas of your skin.
Antifungal creams sold to consumers nowadays have been infused with ingredients that can provide you with additional benefits. Here are some of these ingredients and their accompanying benefits.
Antifungal creams infused with tree tea oil can be effective in not only treating the infection, but also in keeping your skin, hair, and nails healthy. Tree tea oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. What is interesting about this ingredient is it can kill specific fungi and bacteria. It can also fight germs and promote healing.
Tea tree oil has been found to have anti-microbial properties. However, if you have a fungal infection, best to consult a dermatologist, as medicated creams are still the first line.
Aloe vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant that can treat skin injuries. And since most fungal infections occur on the skin, it is not surprising to find aloe vera on almost all types of antifungal creams. Once you apply a cream with aloe vera, you can expect your skin to feel some soothing effect. You can also expect any wound to heal in a short time.
Aloe vera has been incorporated into different skincare products, given its soothing abilities. While aloe vera, per se, won't get rid of the fungal infection, it can help soothe the skin and restore it back to its healthy state once the infection has been cleared.
Tons of benefits are associated with zinc oxide. Considered a medication ingredient, it can be found mostly in medications meant for infants and children. Using a cream with zinc oxide can minimize the rashes, allergies, and irritation on your skin. It can also keep moisture locked into your skin, especially if it is dry.
Factors that can lead to a fungal infection known as candidal intertrigo in babies' nappy areas are the accumulation of moisture and constant friction between areas.
#AskYourDerma Tip: Use a barrier cream such as one with zinc oxide. This helps keep the area dry and prevents the skin folds from rubbing against one another.
Another ingredient that is common among antifungal creams is salicylic acid. This is a compound best used for healing and soothing acne and other skin problems. It works by minimizing swelling and redness on the skin. It can also unplug blocked skin pores, as well as loosen dry, scaly, and thickened skin.
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps exfoliate or change the topmost layer of the skin. Concerning fungal infections, salicylic acid is sometimes incorporated since fungal infections are predominantly found on the topmost layer of the skin. Hence, it can work synergistically with antifungals like ketoconazole to help clear the infection faster.
As for mild steroid creams, hydrocortisone is one of the products utilized with antifungals. This specific product has been useful in treating various skin conditions like dermatitis, allergies, rash, eczema, insect bites, and itching. It can also minimize the swelling and redness in these conditions.
Another mild steroid cream and medicine that can work well with antifungals is clobetasone. This specific medicine can effectively treat the itching, swelling, and irritation caused by eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and stings.
Medications mixed with steroids should never be used as self-medication. Remember, steroids are great in reducing signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, and itching. But if used improperly can either worsen an existing fungal infection or cause side effects like skin atrophy, stretch marks, or hyperpigmentation.
The main reason you are looking for the best antifungal cream for your infection is to treat it. However, several antifungal creams may trigger side effects that could affect your daily life. Some may even worsen your infection due to the presence of some ingredients.
Your skin may get irritated if you opt for antifungal creams with strong fragrances. You may also get some allergic reactions once you apply products with allergic triggers. Other side effects of antifungal creams that you may experience include a burning sensation to the affected part, itchy skin, and redness of the skin.
A fungal infection is an indication that your skin barrier is compromised. Hence, it may be wise to steer clear of potential irritants, at least until your skin barrier has been restored to its health.
Despite the facts presented in this guide, you must still consult a doctor to obtain the right type of medication and treatment for your fungal infection. While most of the antifungal creams on this list may also be recommended by doctors, consulting a doctor is still the best thing that you can do to avoid self-medication and experience any possible adverse effects.
Yes, #AskYourDerma before applying that cream. This will save you a headache and money in the long run as it will be diagnosed accurately and the proper treatment started as soon as possible.
From ₱155
Most symptoms associated with fungal infections are redness, itching, and other relevant changes on the skin. Once you experience these, it can often hinder your daily movement. To eliminate the fungal infection on your skin quickly, you may want to opt for Nizoral Cream.
Through the potency of ketoconazole, Nizoral can easily treat tinea infection, ringworm, and jock itch without any issues. When applied to the affected area once a day, the cream can easily infiltrate the skin to eliminate the primary cause of the infection.
However, if you have an athlete's foot, you may want to apply this cream twice a day. Doing this can ensure that any itching symptoms, redness, skin irritation, and inflammation will be relieved in a short time.
From ₱278
One of the primary targets of fungal infections is the feet. Even though fungi can be found all over your body, some of their best spots to grow and spread are the heel, between the toes, and under the toenails. Once you notice fungal infections on your feet, you must apply Lamisil AF Cream.
This product is a terbinafine-based fungal cream that can combat infections generated by Trichophyton, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum, some examples of which are athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Aside from its antifungal properties, this cream can also treat yeast infections caused by the genus Candida.
Applying this cream to the affected skin or area once or twice every day is highly recommended to get optimal results. Just ensure that you clean and dry the infected area first before applying this cream to your skin.
From ₱151
Through the help of well-crafted ad campaigns, the Canesten Antifungal Cream has become one of the most popular medicinal products here in the Philippines. This antifungal cream has been advertised to treat various skin diseases such as buni, an-an, and alipunga.
Fortunately, the product stays true to its advertising claims, as it can truly combat and eliminate various fungal infections by inhibiting fungus growth. One of the ingredients that make all these things possible is Clotrimazole.
When using Canesten, you must apply it to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. You may feel some local irritation, but it can effectively restore the state of your skin afterward.
From ₱899
Many cases of yeast infections affect pregnant or diabetic women. Since they can be sensitive to medication, they must only utilize antifungal creams that are safe for their bodies. The Monistat 7-Day Treatment Cream is one such example.
It's an antifungal cream that is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in treating yeast infections among pregnant and diabetic women. Thanks to its miconazole nitrate component, this product can help treat most vaginal yeast infections with no issues.
Even if you don't have a prescription, you can easily purchase and apply this cream to the infected area right away. To maintain hygiene, it also comes with 7 disposable applicators. You must, however, consult your doctor if your infection does not show signs of healing after 3 days of use.
From ₱450
Diaper rash is one of babies' most common skin issues, and this can easily lead to fungal disease if left untreated. Luckily, you can apply Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste to get ahead of this problem. It has a formulation that's perfectly safe for babies and children.
To heal the affected area quickly, this cream contains the maximum level of zinc oxide allowed without a prescription. Safe even for those with sensitive skin, it can effectively reduce irritation and redness and, at the same time, moisturize the skin to prevent any side effects. It can even generate a protective barrier between the skin and irritants.
Applying Desitin can provide nightly relief from discomfort, as well as create an optimal condition for healing. Remember, however, to change the diapers once they are wet and soiled to prevent the reoccurrence of rashes.
From ₱250
Most of the time, antifungal reactions do not recur once they have been treated. But if your infection tends to recur, you might want to try Family Care Clotrimazole Cream. This is a clotrimazole-based product that can cure numerous fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworms, and jock itch.
Once you apply this cream to your infected skin, it can easily relieve itching, cracking, scaling, and burning of the skin. It is also convenient to use, as it is equipped with a non-stinging and grease-less formula.
For ringworm infections, it is recommended to use this cream every day for four weeks. On the other hand, if jock itch is your concern, you must apply this product twice a day for two weeks. However, keep in mind that this product is ineffective in treating fungal infections on the scalp or nails.
From ₱120
Not all fungal infections can be difficult to treat. Some tend to be mild, which can be easily treated by United Home Whitfield’s Ointment Anti-Fungal Cream. This cream has been super effective in treating mild fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and tinea versicolor.
With the inclusion of salicylic acid and benzoic acid, the United Home Whitfield’s Ointment Anti-Fungal Cream can help heal the infection on your skin without any problems. Just apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin before rubbing it gently. It can also treat the infection faster if you use it twice a day for at least four weeks.
From ₱79
Yeast infections mainly develop due to the overgrowth of yeast in specific body areas. Without immediate treatment, they can cause redness, swelling, itching, and irritation on the skin. If you currently have a yeast infection, one of the antifungal creams that you can use is K-Zol.
This cream has been beneficial for people experiencing yeast and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The antifungal agent that makes the cream effective is ketoconazole, which works by preventing fungus growth in the infected area.
K-Zol can be applied externally in and around the groin region, as well as on the chest, feet, and hands. Most infections can be treated with this cream right away. Others, however, may take up to 14 days before clearing up.
From ₱250.5
Athletes often get sweaty as they train and compete. The same thing happens with commuters and other people who are constantly moving. And with the continuous heat and perspiration, many of them end up getting fungal infections that can be bothersome to cure.
If you have been infected with ringworms, nail infections, and other fungal infections, one of your best options to treat them is Ritemed Tolnaftate Ointment. It is an antifungal cream that can relieve any itching and irritating sensation caused by the infections. This antifungal cream works by inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes, which are the sources of the infection.
Ritemed Tolnaftate 10mg/g Ointment can be effective in treating fungal infections when applied to the infected area twice a day. You can also use this ointment with children over two years of age.
From ₱30.69
Fungal infections can occur anywhere, even on the face. Unfortunately, one of the problems with facial fungal infections is that they can really affect one’s overall confidence. If you currently have eczema, acne, dermatitis, or white spots on your face or on other body parts, you may want to consider Bioderm Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial Ointment.
Through the addition of salicylic acid, this product can easily eliminate the fungus on the top layers of the skin, minimize the swelling and redness of the skin, and speed up the recovery of skin cells. To immediately treat your infections, you must apply this cream to the infected part day and night. You may, however, experience some slight irritation on the skin.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Luz.
Definitely, for this one, it is best to consult your board-certified dermatologist early on so that the proper assessment and treatment plan can be created for you.
Our top 10 list features products intended mainly for fungal infections. However, if you need more options for other skin diseases and conditions, you can check out the links below.
Author: Christian Autor
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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