Ointment for fungus between the toes

Such a nuisance as a fungal infection often proceeds almost asymptomatically. The only signs of fungal infection may be itching and an unpleasant odor. Fungus on the feet may appear with weak immunity, with improperly selected shoes, with frequent visits to public baths, saunas, swimming pools without appropriate shoes. Is there an ointment for fungus between the toes?

The spaces between the fingers are a common location for infection. Often, discomfort is felt in these places. Treatment of such areas with medication solutions is not always successful, since the liquid consistency of the drug reduces the period of action of the active ingredients. Another matter is ointment. The thick mass remains on the skin for a long time, continuing its therapeutic effect for a long time after the drug is applied.

Next, we will give a brief overview of the most common and effective ointments for fungus between the toes.

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Indications ointments for toe fungus

Ointments for fungus between the toes are prescribed:

• when the skin peels in the folds between the fingers;
• when cracks appear in the spaces between the fingers;
• for pain and itching in the spaces between the toes;
• for excessive sweating of the feet;
• when seals appear on the finger pads;
• in case of structural changes in the nail plate (delamination, spots, voids).

Antifungal ointments can be used already at the initial stage of fungal infection. However, it is not always possible to recognize the disease in advance: often the first symptoms of the disease are hidden and appear only when the infection begins to progress.

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Release form

This form of release, such as ointment for fungus between the fingers, may contain the following active ingredients:

• Clotrimazole is a locally active substance, an imidazole derivative;
• Terbinafine is an antifungal agent of the allylamine group;
• ketoconazole is a fungicidal and fungistatic drug, an imidazole derivative;
• naftifine is an external antifungal agent of the allylamine class;
• salicylic acid is a substance that acts on fungal spores;
• zinc oxide is a substance with moderate antifungal activity;
• Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic that is effective against Candida infections;
• Levorin is a polyene antifungal antibiotic;
• amphotericin is a polyene macrocyclic antibiotic with antifungal action;
• econazole is an antifungal agent, an imidazole and triazole derivative;
• Miconazole is an antifungal agent, an imidazole and triazole derivative.

The ointment is very convenient to use, it is easy to apply, it does not run and is absorbed gradually, allowing the active ingredients to act long-term and stably.

Names of ointments for fungus between fingers

• Lamisil 1% is a drug based on terbinafine, a substance that has a detrimental effect on fungi found on the skin and nails.
• Canison is an ointment based on clotrimazole, which destroys fungal cells;
• Mikospor is an active drug often used to get rid of dermatophytes, mold and yeast-like fungi;
• Exoderil is a very common ointment that acts on dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi;
• Mikosan is an ointment with ketoconazole, which helps destroy the structural cells of the fungus;
• Nizoral is a well-known ointment, which, however, cannot be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• Terbix is an ointment based on terbinafine, a substance that destroys fungus;
• Binafin is a broad-spectrum antifungal ointment;
• Terbisil is an antifungal ointment based on terbinafine;
• Miconorm is an antifungal agent containing terbinafine.

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Pharmacodynamics

Usually antifungal ointments act not on one type of fungus, but have a broad antifungal spectrum. Thus, ointments can destroy or slow down the development of dermatophytes (Trichophyton rumbum, mentagrophyte, verucosum, violaceum), yeast and dimorphic fungi (Candida).

Ointments act only on the outer skin, demonstrating a fungicidal or/and fungistatic effect, depending on the drug and the type of fungal infection.

In most cases, the active ingredients of ointments disrupt the cell membrane of the fungus, which leads to its death, or block the initial stage of biological production of sterols in the fungal cells.

The degree of the ointment's effect on a fungal infection also depends on the concentration of the active ingredient in the preparation: the ointment can inhibit the reproduction of fungi or completely destroy them.

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Pharmacokinetics

When used externally, the absorption of active ingredients of ointments may be no more than 5%, which indicates a minor systemic effect of such antifungal drugs.

Ointments for interdigital fungus can have a cumulative effect, and resistance to the active ingredients rarely develops. For example, after a week of using ointments with terbinafine, the effect of the drugs can persist for another week after the last use of the ointment.

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Dosing and administration

As a rule, ointments for fungus between the toes are used 1-2 times a day, depending on the specific indications.

Before applying the ointment to the affected skin, it must be washed with soap and dried thoroughly.

The ointment is applied in a thin layer, without vigorous rubbing.

At night, you can use a gauze bandage, which will enhance the effect of the ointment on the affected areas.

The total duration of the therapeutic course is 10-14 days, at the discretion of the doctor.

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Use ointments for toe fungus during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the risk of fungus between the toes increases. This occurs due to hormonal changes in the body, which entails a change in local immunity in the skin, increased sweating, etc.

Fungus during pregnancy is somewhat more difficult to cure, since many drugs are prohibited for use during this period. In particular, it is not advisable to take antifungal tablets at all. As for ointments, sometimes the doctor may allow their use according to indications.

Nystatin ointment is considered the safest for pregnant women. This drug effectively eliminates yeast-like fungi Candida. The ointment is applied in a thin layer, up to 2 times a day, for a week. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated after 15-20 days.

Despite the fact that many external ointments for fungus between the toes are approved for use during pregnancy, some doctors recommend refraining from using them in the first trimester. The fact is that it is in the first three months that the basic vital systems of the future child are laid down. Therefore, the first trimester is the time when the use of any medications is highly undesirable.

Contraindications

There are no special contraindications to the use of ointments for fungus between the fingers, except for increased sensitivity of the body to the composition of the drug.

The following ointments should be used with caution:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• in childhood;
• in the presence of other diseases of the feet and interdigital spaces.

If you have a tendency to allergic reactions to the ingredients of the ointment, you should not use this drug. You need to consult a doctor, and he will individually select the most effective and suitable drug.

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Side effects ointments for toe fungus

Undesirable symptoms may appear at the sites where ointments for fungus are applied between the fingers:

• itching;
• peeling;
• painful sensations;
• local skin irritation;
• change in pigmentation;
• burning;
• the appearance of areas of redness;
• crust formation;
• feeling of dryness and tightness of the skin;
• rashes;
• local increase in temperature.

If the drug gets into the eyes or on mucous membranes, a transient feeling of irritation and pain may occur.

If the side effects are significant, then the use of the antifungal ointment should be stopped.

Overdose

The negligible absorption of the ointment components into the systemic bloodstream makes overdose unlikely.

If you accidentally swallow the ointment for fungus between your toes, the following symptoms may occur:

• nausea;
• headache;
• abdominal pain;
• dizziness.

In case of accidental ingestion of the external preparation, it is recommended to take several tablets of activated carbon, drink a large amount of clean water. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional symptomatic treatment.

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Interactions with other drugs

At present, there are no registered cases of interaction of antifungal ointments with other drugs.

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Storage conditions

In most cases, antifungal ointments are stored at room temperature, up to +25°C. The place designated for storing medications should be darkened and inaccessible to children.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of such a medicine as ointment for fungus between the fingers is from 3 to 4 years, depending on the composition of the drug. Check the date of use on the package.

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Effective ointment for fungus between fingers

Before looking for an effective ointment for fungus between the fingers, before starting treatment, it is necessary to take the necessary measures to localize the infection:

• get rid of the old shower sponge;
• change and disinfect towels and house shoes;
• disinfect the rest of the shoes (especially the insoles);
• Wash all socks in hot water, then dry and iron.

After the procedures have been completed, you can begin treatment with ointments.

Ointments for fungus based on miconazole or tolnaftate have a good effect. The common ointment Clotrimazole is no less effective, as well as the ointments Exoderil and Desenex.

It is worth noting that to enhance the effect, many practicing dermatologists recommend changing antifungal ointments every 10-14 days of use. This is done to prevent the fungus from becoming "addicted" to the action of the drug.

Rule #2: When you think you have completely gotten rid of the fungus, do not stop treatment immediately. Continue using the ointment for another 2 weeks. This approach will prevent the infection from reoccurring.

If, in addition to the spaces between the fingers, the nails are also affected, then in this case the treatment must be supplemented with tablets (for example, Nizoral, Griseofulvin, Lamisil, etc.).

During and after treatment, it is important not to ignore hygiene rules:

• wash your feet frequently with soap (at least 2 times a day);
• wash and air shoes;
• avoid wearing tight and dense shoes;
• avoid wearing rubber shoes and shoes made from low-quality leatherette;
• avoid wearing closed shoes in hot weather;
• change and wash socks regularly (at least once a day);
• regularly wash the bathtub or shower tray with detergent, disinfect periodically;
• In public places (baths, beaches, swimming pools) you should wear personal shoes, but do not walk barefoot.