--- title: "Antifungal medicines: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers" description: "Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections like athlete" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antifungal-medicines/ robots: noindex --- # Antifungal medicines: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers Treatments Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush, available as creams, sprays, tablets and pessaries from pharmacies. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What are antifungal medicines used for? Antifungal medicines treat infections caused by fungi — such as athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush and fungal nail infections. They come as creams, sprays, tablets and pessaries. Most everyday fungal infections clear with pharmacy treatments, used for the full recommended course. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Antifungal medicines, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about antifungal medicines - Antifungals treat infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush. - They come as creams, sprays, tablets and pessaries. - Most everyday cases clear with pharmacy treatment. - Always complete the full course, even when symptoms fade. ## What are antifungal medicines? Antifungal medicines treat infections caused by fungi — a different family of germs from bacteria and viruses, needing their own treatments. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm, thrush and fungal nail infections, and most everyday cases respond well to treatments available from a pharmacy. ## Types of antifungal medicine - Creams, sprays and powders — for skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm - Pessaries and creams — for vaginal thrush - Oral gels — for oral thrush - Tablets — for scalp and nail infections, and persistent or widespread cases, usually via a GP A pharmacist can match the product to the infection. ## The golden rule: finish the course Fungal infections look better before they are gone. The single most common reason they return is stopping treatment when symptoms fade — keep going for the full course stated on the packet, often one to two weeks beyond visible healing. ## Preventing reinfection Fungi thrive on warmth and moisture. Dry skin thoroughly after washing (especially between toes and in skin folds), change socks daily, let shoes dry between wears, avoid sharing towels, and treat infections promptly before they spread or pass to others. ## When to involve a GP See a GP if an infection survives a full course of treatment, keeps returning, affects the scalp or nails, is widespread — or if you are pregnant, have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Mention other medicines you take, since antifungal tablets in particular can interact. ## ! Important safety information for antifungal medicines See a pharmacist first for common fungal infections — they can recommend the right product. See a GP if the infection has not cleared after the full course, keeps coming back, is on the scalp or nails (these often need tablets), is widespread, or if you are pregnant, have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Tell your pharmacist about other medicines, as antifungal tablets can interact. ## Common questions about antifungal medicines Why must I finish the course if symptoms have gone? Symptoms fade before the fungus is fully cleared. Stopping early is the most common reason infections come back — keep applying for the full time stated on the packet, often a week or two beyond visible healing. When are antifungal tablets needed? For infections creams cannot reach well — scalp ringworm, fungal nail infections, and some persistent or widespread infections. These are usually prescribed by a GP, partly because tablets can interact with other medicines. Do antifungal creams have side effects? They are generally well tolerated; occasional mild irritation or redness can occur. Tablets carry more potential side effects and interactions, which is why they involve a GP or pharmacist's oversight. How do I stop fungal infections returning? Fungi love warmth and moisture — so dry skin thoroughly (especially between toes and in folds), change socks daily, let shoes air, avoid sharing towels, and treat conditions like athlete's foot promptly before they spread. ## Sources - [NHS — Antifungal medicines](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antifungal-medicines/)