How to Treat Fungal Infections: Best Creams at Citi Pharmacy
Fungal infections are very common in Ghana because of our hot and humid weather. Sweat, tight clothes, and damp skin create the perfect environment for fungus to grow. They cause itching, redness, peeling, and discomfort, but the good news is most skin fungal infections clear quickly with the right antifungal cream from the pharmacy.
At Citi Pharmacy, we see this every day, especially during rainy season and Harmattan when people wear socks and closed shoes for long hours.
What Causes Fungal Infections in Ghana?
Fungus lives on skin and thrives in warm, moist areas. You can get infected by:
- Excessive sweating and not drying skin properly after bathing
- Wearing tight underwear, socks or synthetic clothes
- Sharing towels, sponges, or footwear
- Walking barefoot in public bathrooms or changing rooms
- Weak immunity, diabetes, or prolonged use of antibiotics
Fungal infections are contagious – they can spread from person to person and from one part of your body to another.
Common Types You Should Know
1. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Round, red patches with a clear centre and itchy edges. Common on body, arms, and legs.
2. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Peeling, itching and bad odour between toes. Very common in people who wear socks and boots all day in Accra traffic.
3. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris): Itchy, red rash in the groin and inner thighs. More common in men who sweat a lot.
4. Yeast Infection / Thrush (Candidiasis): White patches in the mouth, or itching, white discharge and soreness in the private area in women. Can also occur under breasts and in skin folds.
5. Nail Fungus (Tinea Unguium): Thick, yellow or white discoloured nails.
How to Treat Fungal Infections Fast
For mild to moderate skin fungal infections, antifungal creams work very well. Treatment usually needs to continue for 1-2 weeks AFTER the rash clears to prevent return.
General Treatment Rules:
- Wash and dry the area completely before applying cream. Fungus loves moisture.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area and 2cm beyond the visible rash.
- Wash hands before and after applying.
- Do not share towels, and wash clothes, socks and bed sheets in hot water.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight jeans during treatment.
- Complete the full course even if itching stops after 3 days.
Best Antifungal Creams Available at Citi Pharmacy
We stock both generic and branded options. Our pharmacist will help you choose based on location and severity:
1. Clotrimazole 1% Cream (e.g., Canesten):
Broad-spectrum and affordable. Works for ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infection (with pessaries). Usually applied 2-3 times daily for 2-4 weeks. Good first choice for most body infections.
2. Miconazole 2% Cream (e.g., Daktarin):
Effective for athlete’s foot, ringworm and skin candidiasis. Also has some antibacterial action, helpful if skin is slightly infected from scratching.
3. Terbinafine 1% Cream (e.g., Lamisil):
Very effective for athlete’s foot and ringworm. Often works faster – many cases clear in 1 week. Applied once or twice daily. Best for foot and groin infections.
4. Ketoconazole 2% Cream (e.g., Nizoral Cream):
Good for extensive yeast infections, dandruff that spreads to face (seborrheic dermatitis), and stubborn cases. Also available as shampoo for fungal dandruff.
5. Combination Creams (Antifungal + Mild Steroid):
For very itchy, inflamed rashes e.g., Clotrimazole + Betamethasone or Miconazole + Hydrocortisone. These reduce itching quickly but should ONLY be used short-term (max 7 days) on pharmacist advice – steroids can worsen fungus if used alone for long.
For Severe or Nail Infections: Creams alone may not be enough. You may need antifungal tablets like fluconazole or terbinafine tablets, which require a prescription and doctor review.
Pharmacist’s Advice: Do not use bleaching creams, toothpaste, or strong steroid-only creams like Betnovate on fungal infections. They will make it worse. Come to Citi Pharmacy with a clear photo of the area, and we will recommend the right product. If you have diabetes, recurrent infections, or it involves the scalp or nails, see a doctor.
Prevention Tips for Ghana’s Weather:
- Dry skin folds thoroughly after bathing – especially groin and between toes
- Change socks daily and avoid wearing same shoes two days in a row
- Use cotton underwear and loose clothes in hot weather
- Don’t share footwear or towels
- Treat all family members if ringworm is spreading at home
FAQs
1. Which cream is best for fungal infection in Ghana?
For most skin fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot, Clotrimazole 1% and Terbinafine 1% are considered best and are available at Citi Pharmacy. Terbinafine often works faster for foot infections, while Clotrimazole is excellent for body and groin. Our pharmacist can choose based on your specific rash.
2. How long does it take for antifungal cream to work?
Itching reduces within 3-5 days, but you must continue applying the cream for 1-2 weeks after the rash looks clear to kill the remaining fungus. If no improvement after 7-10 days, or if it spreads, visit a doctor.
3. Can I use hydrocortisone or Betnovate for fungal infection?
No, do not use steroid-only creams. They reduce itching temporarily but feed the fungus, making the infection wider and harder to treat. Only use combination antifungal+steroid creams for a few days and only on pharmacist or doctor advice.
4. How do I stop fungal infections from coming back?
Keep skin dry, wash towels and socks in hot water, avoid tight synthetic underwear, change underwear daily, and complete the full treatment course. If you get infections 4 or more times a year, or you are diabetic, you need medical review.
References
1. Mayo Clinic – Athlete’s Foot and Ringworm Treatment.
2. Cleveland Clinic – Skin Fungal Infections (Tinea).
3. CDC – Fungal Skin Infections Types and Treatment.
4. American Academy of Dermatology – How to treat ringworm.
