Miconazole for fungal skin and nail infections

About miconazole for fungal skin and nail infections

Although many types of fungi live harmlessly on our skin, some can cause infections. The most common fungi to cause skin infections are the tinea group of fungi. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the toes and feet caused by a fungus from this group. Infections caused by a fungus or a yeast (a type of fungus) can affect other parts of the body too - some examples are fungal nappy rash, fungal groin infections, fungal nail infections, and fungal sweat rashes. Miconazole eases the symptoms of skin infections such as these by killing the fungi causing the infection.

Although miconazole is available on prescription, you can also buy some preparations without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Sometimes miconazole is combined with a mild corticosteroid called hydrocortisone (as in the brand called Daktacort®). If your infection has caused the skin to become inflamed and sore, it may be suggested that you use this for a few days to reduce the inflammation, before switching to a miconazole-only preparation.

Miconazole is a medicine which is also used to treat oral and vaginal thrush. There is information about this in the leaflets called Miconazole for oral thrush and Miconazole for vaginal thrush.

Before using miconazole

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using miconazole make sure that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although miconazole is not known to be harmful to babies, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor while you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.

• If you are taking any other medicines or using any other creams. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. This is particularly important if you are taking warfarin or medicines for high cholesterol (statins) because miconazole can alter the way these medicines work.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or cream.

How to use miconazole

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about miconazole and how to apply it.

• Wash and dry the infected area of skin before you apply miconazole. You will need to use the preparation regularly for a few weeks. Once all signs of your infection have gone, continue to use it for a further one or two weeks, as this will help to prevent the infection from coming back.

• If you have been given miconazole to treat a skin infection, apply a small amount to the affected area twice each day (ideally, in the morning and the evening). Rub the cream/ointment in gently.

• If you are using miconazole cream to treat a nail infection, apply the cream to the infected nail once or twice a day.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to wash your hands carefully after using miconazole, as this will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Also, use a separate towel to other people until your infection clears up.

• Fungal infections often occur in warm, moist areas of the body. After washing or showering, make sure that all areas of your skin are dried well, particularly areas such as skin folds and between your toes.

• As a guide, infections such as athlete's foot usually clear up within a couple of weeks of treatment, although infections affecting some other areas of the body can take slightly longer. If there are no signs of improvement within two weeks of using miconazole, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for advice.

Can miconazole cause problems?

Miconazole is unlikely to cause any serious side-effects. It can cause some irritation when it is used at first, and a few people experience mild allergic-type reactions (such as redness and itching). If you experience these or any other symptoms, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store miconazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Store Daktacort® cream in a refrigerator.

Important information about all medicines