Article: Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams are effective in controlling or eliminating the infection. Look for products that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. Follow the packaged instructions and apply the medication for at least 2 weeks and an additional 1-2 weeks after the infection is cleared to prevent it from returning. Wash your feet twice a day with soap and water. Be sure to dry your feet and between the toes, then put on a clean pair of socks after each washing. Wear shoes that are well ventilated and made of natural materials. You should also alternate your shoes everyday to give them time to dry out thoroughly. If you have athlete's foot that isn't responding to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral medications after testing your infection by taking a culture. Use over-the-counter antifungal products to help control the infection. These medications should contain miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine or clotrimazole. You should notice the infection start to clear up within a few weeks. If it lasts longer than 2 weeks, is severe, or returns frequently (more than 4 times a year), you should see your doctor. If it doesn't respond to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral medications after testing your infection by taking a culture. Avoid wearing tight clothing or anything that rubs or irritates the skin. Wash all undergarments and athletic supporters after one use. Use over-the-counter creams that contain oxiconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole or terbinafine. Follow packaged instructions for 10 days. In general, you should wash and dry the area, then apply the cream from the outside to the center of the infection. Wash and dry your hands after applying the cream. Don't put a bandage over ringworm because it will keep the moisture in your skin. If you have ringworm on your scalp or beard you must see your doctor for treatments. If you have ringworm on the body that isn't responding to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral medications after testing your infection by taking a culture. If you're treating school-aged children for ringworm, they can return to classes once treatment has started. Uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter preparations. Use antifungal vaginal suppository creams, foams, tablets, or ointments from a class of azoles. These include butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and terconazole. You may notice some slight burning or irritation to the area when you apply the medication. Always follow the packaged instructions. The oil-based nature of these creams can weaken a latex condom or diaphragm. If these are your forms of birth control, realize that they may not be as effective while using the medication. You may need long-course vaginal therapy that includes using a prescription vaginal cream in the "azole" family which is stronger than what can be purchased over-the-counter. You'll use the cream for 10 to 14 days. If you have complications from vaginal yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe fluconazole (Diflucan) to be taken 1 time by mouth. Or, you may be given 2 to 3 doses of fluconazole by mouth, instead of a cream. This is not recommended for pregnant women. If you have repeated infections, you may take a maintenance dose of fluconazole once a week for 6 months or a vaginal suppository of clotrimazole. Your doctor will need to help you treat fungal infections because diabetes or a depressed immune system can increase your risk of experiencing more severe symptoms from a fungal infection. See your doctor for early treatment to reduce potential health problems or significant secondary infections from scratching. Your doctor will give you an oral medication that will include griseofulvin, terbinafine or itraconazole. Take the medication according to your doctor's instructions, usually for a minimum of 4 weeks and up to 8 weeks. You can improve your chance for successful treatment by: Keeping the area clean and dry Washing the hair and beard with medicated shampoo that contains selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. This will help stop the spread but will not get rid of the current infection.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Treat athlete's foot. Treat Jock Itch. Treat ringworm on the body. Treat vaginal infections. Treat complications from vaginal infections. See your doctor if you have diabetes or a depressed immune system. See your doctor if a fungal infection is on your scalp or your beard.