Antifungal Sprays Explained: Everything You Need to Know
Athlete’s foot and other fungal skin infections are definitely no fun. The itching, burning, and stinging that fungal skin infections can cause is extremely uncomfortable, and most people look for a way to get rid of them as quickly as possible. That’s actually a good thing—it’s important to treat them right away before they spread to other parts of the body. 1
One option for treating fungal infections is an antifungal spray. Do you want to know how these sprays work and if they’re right for your needs? We asked board-certified dermatologists Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, Todd Minars, MD, and Lisa Rhodes, MD, to tell us everything you need to know about antifungal sprays. Read on to find out what they had to say.
What are antifungal sprays?
Antifungal sprays are topical medications, which means they’re applied directly to the skin. They’re used to treat athlete’s foot and other common fungal infections. Typically, antifungal sprays contain an active ingredient, such as miconazole nitrate or tolnaftate, and many are available over the counter.
In addition to sprays, antifungal medications come in other forms, such as creams, powders, and pills. “Each treatment has its own pros and cons, but honestly, sometimes it’s just a matter of preference,” Minas says.
Who typically needs an antifungal spray?
Antifungal sprays are used to treat infections like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch, ringworm (tinea corporis), vaginal thrush (Candida albicans), and some forms of dandruff, Boaky says. Sprays are often used to treat fungal infections on certain parts of the body, such as the hands and feet, she explains. Some people prefer antifungal sprays to other types of antifungal medications because they are easy to use.
Antifungal sprays also have a drying effect, Minas notes, while antifungal creams have a moisturizing effect. “Drying is good for treating common fungal infections because fungi love moist folds of skin, like tinea groin in the groin or athlete’s foot between two sweaty toes,” he says. “It would be even better if the antifungal medication not only killed the fungus but also helped dry out the moist area.”
How to use an antifungal spray?
Boaky says it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before using an over-the-counter antifungal spray so you can make sure you’re using the right treatment for your condition. Think of it this way: You may be convinced you have athlete’s foot, but it could also be something else entirely. So it’s best to consult your doctor before taking any medication. He or she may also recommend a prescription medication over an over-the-counter one.
Most antifungal sprays should be applied twice daily to clean, dry skin. Typically, you’ll need to use an antifungal spray for a week or two, but it may take up to four weeks. “Even after symptoms subside, you should continue to take the prescribed amount of medication to avoid a recurrence of the infection,” Boaky says.
Applying an antifungal spray is simple: Spray the medication directly onto the rash. Minas says you can apply the antifungal spray to unaffected areas of skin. He even recommends applying the spray so that it covers the affected area, or even slightly beyond it as you apply it.
When using an antifungal spray to treat athlete’s foot, apply a generous amount of medication to your entire foot, not forgetting the areas between your toes. “To prevent reinfection, sprays can be applied directly to the feet once a week or daily to infected shoes,” Rhodes explains.
Most antifungal sprays dry almost immediately, so you don’t need to wipe them off. “However, if the spray leaves your skin wet, simply wipe it off and blot any excess with a tissue,” Minas says. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterward.
Can antifungal sprays be used to treat acne?
Boakye tells us that despite what you may have heard on TikTok, antifungal sprays are not the best way to treat fungal acne. “I do not recommend using over-the-counter antifungal sprays to treat fungal acne,” she says. Since fungal acne is caused by the fungus Malassezia, the most effective treatment options are ketoconazole and itraconazole, she explains. (Conditions like athlete’s foot and jock itch, on the other hand, are caused by dermatophytes.2) “Topical treatments, such as creams, are usually preferred if you have fungal acne,” she says. “Depending on the severity of your acne, oral medications may be a better option.”
Who Should Avoid Antifungal Sprays?
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in an antifungal spray, you shouldn’t use it. A doctor or pharmacist can help you find an alternative.
Boakye says that, aside from allergies, antifungal sprays don’t have many serious side effects. Minas explains that one of the main advantages of topical medications like antifungal sprays is that they don’t have many serious side effects unless you are allergic or sensitive to them. “In some cases, when you first use an antifungal spray, the treated area may be irritated and you may experience mild redness, burning, or stinging,” Boakye says. “However, if you experience a serious side effect, such as an allergic reaction, stop the medication and…contact your doctor immediately.”
If you have a cut on your skin, Rhodes recommends using an antifungal cream instead of a spray. This can help you avoid unpleasant sensations, such as burning and stinging.
Final Verdict
Antifungal sprays can be effective in treating athlete’s foot and other fungal skin infections, especially on the hands, feet, or in areas that are hard to reach with creams. Most antifungal sprays need to be used for about two weeks. Even if your symptoms subside, you must continue to use the medication as recommended by your doctor.
If you have questions about antifungal sprays or want to learn if they are right for you, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
