Fungal skin infection treatment, prescription antifungal creams to clear stubborn infections

What are fungal skin infections?

Fungal skin infections are caused by dermatophytes — fungi that feed on keratin, the protein in skin, hair and nails. They cause characteristic itchy, ring-shaped or scaly patches and can affect any part of the body. Common presentations include athlete's foot (tinea pedis) affecting the feet and between the toes, ringworm (tinea corporis) on the body, jock itch (tinea cruris) in the groin area, and scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) in children.

The fungi that cause these infections are spread through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces — floors, towels, clothing. Warm, moist environments and shared changing facilities are common sources. The infection does not mean poor hygiene; it is simply a matter of contact with a fungal spore in the right conditions.

How are fungal skin infections treated?

Prescription antifungal creams are the main treatment. Several different antifungal agents are used, and some are combined with a mild steroid to reduce the itch and inflammation that accompany the infection during the first few days of treatment. The choice of agent depends on the type and location of infection, whether there is significant inflammation, and whether the infection has spread to surrounding skin. Treatment is typically applied daily or twice daily for one to four weeks, depending on the preparation used.

Specific medicines and dosing are confirmed by the prescriber in the consultation. We do not list medicine names on this public page. If you also have a fungal nail infection, that needs a different treatment — see our fungal nail infection page.

Treating fungal skin infections with NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy at 245 High Street, Stratford. Complete a short consultation describing your infection — the location, appearance and any previous treatments — and a UK prescriber will assess the most appropriate antifungal. Treatment is dispensed and delivered the next working day in plain packaging, or you can collect from our Stratford branch.

When to see your GP instead

See your GP if the infection is spreading rapidly despite treatment, if the skin is hot, painful and very inflamed (which may indicate a bacterial component), if you have scalp ringworm (which usually needs an oral antifungal rather than a cream), or if you have diabetes or an immune-suppressing condition. If we cannot safely manage your situation online, we will tell you and signpost you to the appropriate care.