Antifungal Creams and Treatments at Blooms The Chemist
Fungal infections can affect the skin, feet, nails, mouth and intimate areas, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, irritation or changes to the skin or nails. Antifungal treatments are available in a range of forms, including creams, sprays, powders, solutions and medicated products designed for specific areas of the body. Choosing the right treatment depends on where the infection is located and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist can help you select a suitable option and explain how to use it correctly.
How to choose an antifungal treatment
The right antifungal treatment depends on the type of infection, where it is located and who the treatment is for.
- Consider the affected area: Products are designed for specific fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, tinea, ringworm, jock itch, nail infections, oral thrush or vaginal thrush. Always choose a treatment intended for the affected area.
- Choose a suitable format: Creams and solutions can be applied directly to the skin, while sprays and powders may be more convenient for larger, moist or difficult-to-reach areas. Nail, mouth and intimate-area infections require specially formulated treatments.
- Check the directions: Treatment length varies between products and infections. Some must be continued after symptoms improve to help clear the infection completely.
- Ask your pharmacist: Speak with your Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist if you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a fungal infection, or if the treatment is for a child, someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or a person with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Using antifungal treatments safely
Always follow the directions on the label and complete the recommended course, even if your symptoms begin to improve. Stopping treatment too soon may allow the infection to return. Wash your hands before and after applying the product, avoid sharing treatments and use each product only on the area for which it is intended.
For fungal skin infections, like tinea, keep the affected area clean, cool and dry, and change socks, underwear or other clothing that touches the area each day. Avoid sharing towels, clothing, footwear or bathmats, and wash these items regularly to help prevent the infection from spreading or returning. Wear breathable clothing and footwear, dry carefully between skin folds and toes, and wear thongs in communal showers or changing rooms.
Speak with your doctor or Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist if the infection is widespread, keeps returning or does not improve with treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get antifungal cream over the counter in Australia?
Yes. Antifungal creams, powders and lotions for skin infections are available without a prescription, online or at your nearest Blooms The Chemist store.
How long does antifungal cream take to work?
Treatment time depends on the type of fungal infection, where it is located and the product being used. Many skin infections require around one to two weeks of treatment, while oral thrush may take one to four weeks.
Fungal nail infections can take several months and may not appear fully cleared until the healthy nail has grown out.
Always follow the directions for your specific product and complete the recommended course, even if symptoms improve earlier. Speak with your doctor or Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist if the infection does not improve, becomes worse or keeps returning.