Econazole for fungal skin and nail infections

About econazole for skin and nail infections

Infections caused by a fungus or a yeast (a type of fungus) can affect many different areas of the body - some examples are fungal groin infections, fungal sweat rashes, athlete's foot, and fungal nail infections. Econazole eases the symptoms of infections such as these by killing the fungi causing the infection. Econazole cream is available on prescription, and you can also buy it without a prescription at a pharmacy.

Econazole is a medicine which is also used to treat vaginal thrush. There is information about this in the separate medicine leaflet called Econazole for vaginal thrush.

Before using econazole cream

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using econazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although econazole 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.

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

How to use econazole cream

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

• Wash and dry the infected area of skin before you apply econazole. You will need to use the cream 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 econazole cream to treat a skin infection, apply a small amount of the cream to the affected area twice each day (ideally, in the morning and the evening). Rub it in gently.

• If you are using econazole cream to treat a nail infection, apply the cream to the infected nail once a day, and then cover the area with a plaster or similar dressing.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Remember to wash your hands carefully after using econazole, 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 week or so 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 econazole, you should make an appointment to see your doctor for advice.

Can econazole cream cause problems?

Econazole 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 econazole cream

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

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

Important information about all medicines