Athlete’s foot often affects those who wear sweaty, smelly shoes for long hours. It is a fungal infection which occurs on the skin between toes- and appears and feels itchy and even shiny. While it is not hard to treat it is unpleasant. Individuals who get athlete’s foot tend to frequent the warm, moist environment where contagious fungus abounds-like public showers and swimming pool.
Most of the experts and podiatrist claim that drying the toe webs thoroughly post-shower and not walking barefoot in the above places prevents the development of athletes foot. But if you have been invaded already and want to get rid of it fast, there are various medications to treat the infection. In this post, we will discuss Monistat- everything you need to know about the medication, which is useful in treating athlete’s foot.
Can you use Monistat for athlete’s foot?
Monistat for athlete’s foot
Monistat is commonly known as Monistat-Derm(miconazole nitrate 2%) cream is an antifungal medicine which is used for topical application in the treatment of athlete's foot.
When treating athlete’s foot, a sufficient dose of Monistat-Derm Cream is applied to cover the affected area at least two times in a day- morning and evening. The drug can interact with other topical medications used with it at the same time. Therefore, it is essential to inform the doctor of all the medications and supplements you are using.
Inform the doctor before using Monistat Derm cream because it is unknown if Derm Cream will harm the baby. It is also unknown if Monistat-Derm Cream passes into breast milk.
How to use Monistat cream for athlete’s foot?
Monistat is available on prescription, or without prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Sometimes Monistat is mixed with a mild corticosteroid known as hydrocortisone. If your infection has resulted in inflamed and sore skin, then this cream might be recommended to you to reduce inflammation. This happens for a few days before one switch to a Monistat only.
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information and how to apply it. Wash and dry the infected area of the foot or skin before applying Monistat. You will need to use the treatment regularly for about two to three weeks. After all the signs of athlete’s foot are gone keep using it for a further one or two weeks, as this will help to prevent the infection from coming back.
If you are using Monistat to treat a skin infection including athlete’s foot, apply a small amount to the affected area two times a day. Rub the cream or the ointment gently in the morning and the evening. If you are using Monistat to cure nail infection, apply the cream to the infected nail one or two times a day.
Precautions to take when using Monistat
Prior to using this medication, notify your doctor if you are allergic to Monistat or any other antifungal drugs and if you have any allergies. Monistat might contain inactive ingredients, which can result in allergic reactions or other problems. If you have diabetes or immune system problems such as HIV-AIDS, consult your doctor before using this treatment.
Getting the most of Monistat cream for athlete’s foot treatment
Always wash your hands carefully after using Monistat; this will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. You might also want to use a different towel to other people until your infection is completely gone.
After bathing or washing, ensure that all the regions of the skin are dried well, specifically areas such an as skin folds and between your toes. Fungal infections and especially those causing athlete’s foot thrives well in warm, moist areas of the body.
Athlete’s foot clears up within several weeks of treatment, even though infections affecting some other areas of the body such as groin can take slightly longer. If you do not notice any signs of improvement within two weeks of using Monistat, inform your doctor.
Monistat cream is only meant for the skin; if an individual swallows it, they should go to an emergency department of their local hospital. Do not share the medication to avoid spreading and infection. Remember to check the expiry date when buying the drugs.
How to store Monistat?
- Always keep the medicine out of reach of the children
- Store Monistat in a coll, dry place, away from direct light and heat
- You can store Monistat cream in a refrigerator
Does Monistat cause burning?
Monistat cream side effects
Monistat is unlikely to cause severe side effects. It can irritate when used at. First, some people experience mild allergic-type reactions such as redness and itching. Other Monistat Derm side effects include:
- Stinging
- Swelling
- Pimple like bumps
- Tenderness or
- Flaking of the treated skin
If the medicine is absorbed into the individual’s bloodstream, the following side effects can occur:
- Dry mouth, sore tongue, tooth pain, red or swollen gums
- Altered sense of taste
- Nausea, diarrhea or headache, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
- If you see any of the above side effects or any other symptom not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.
Does Monistat external vulvar cream cure yeast infection?
Monistat cream for yeast infection
Monistat vaginal cream is used to treat vaginal infection and relief or external vulvar itching and irritation associated with a yeast infection. If you have had signs of yeast infection- vaginal itching, burning and discharge the doctor might have told you that these are signs of a yeast infection and that Monistat vaginal cream (Miconazole nitrate ) should treat it.
However, if you have never had the symptoms before you should consult a doctor before using the cream, you should know that the cream is only meant for relief of external vulvar itching and irritation linked with a yeast infection. The cream does not treat any other infections or external itching and anger as a result of any other cause than yeast infections.
The cream causes side effects such as a temporary increase in burning, itching, and irritation when the cream is inserted. Abdominal cramping, headaches, hives and skin rash might also occur if any of these happens to cease using the ointment and consult your doctor.
Precautions when using Monistat cream to cure yeast infection
Do not use the cream in the eyes or take by mouth. Avoid using Monistat vaginal cream if you have any of the following signs and symptoms. Also if the signs occur while you are using Monistat vaginal cream, stop using the product and consult a doctor.
- If you have a fever
- If you feel pain in the lower abdomen, or at the back or the shoulder
- If you notice a vaginal discharge which has an awful smell
- If the infection worsens or does not make any improvement within three days or complete relief is not felt within seven days, or your symptoms return within two months, then possibly you have another disease other than a yeast infection.
- Consult a doctor if you have been exposed to STD or HIV. Do not rely on mineral on condoms to prevent STDs or pregnancy when using this cream. Mineral oil can weaken the latex in condoms or diaphragms. This cream contains mineral oil.
- Avoid using tampons while using this medication.
- Do not use the cream in girls who are less than 12 years of age.
- If you are pregnant, or you feel you might be, avoid using this product except under the directions of a doctor.
- Do not keep the medicine in reach of children
- In case of accidental oral consumption, seek medical interventions or contact poison control center immediately.
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is a cream used to cure skin infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections. The medication is however used on the skin only.
How to use clotrimazole?
- Wash and carefully dry the area to be treated.
- Apply the medication to the affected skin, usually twice, in the morning and the evening. The prescription and length of treatment will depend on the type of infection being treated. Do not apply the cream more frequently than directed by the doctor. Your illness will not clear rapidly, but the occurrence of side effects might be raised.
- Smear adequate medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. Wash your hands after applying this medication. Do not enclose, bandage the affected area unless directed to do so by a doctor.
- Do not apply clotrimazole in the eyes, nose, mouth or vagina.
- Even if the symptoms disappear keep using the medicine until the prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication early might enable the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
- Inform your doctor if symptoms persist four weeks after using the treatment.
Side effects of clotrimazole
The side effects of this antifungal cream include:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Redness
- Pimple like bumps
- Tenderness
- Flaking of the treated skin might also occur
Severe allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if you notice a rash, swelling, itching, severe dizziness and trouble while breathing.
Miconazole nitrate for ringworm
Miconazole nitrate is used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, and ringworm and other fungal skin infections. Use miconazole nitrate on the skin only. Clean and dry the are region to be treated thoroughly to be cured. Apply this medication to the affected area, do it twice a day or as directed by your physician. If you are using the spray kind, shake the bottle well before applying. Dosage and length of application depend on the type of infection being treated. Do not apply this more frequently than prescribed. Your skin problem will not clear faster, but vulnerability to side effects might be increased.
Smear enough medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, clean your hands. Do not cover or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not apply this medication in the mouth, vagina, eyes, nose, or mouth.
Use this medication often to get the most benefit from it. It is essential to use it at similar times each day.Keep on using this medication until the full prescribed dose is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting to use miconazole nitrate. Stopping application of the medication too early may enable the fungus to continue to grow, which may lead to a relapse of the infection.
Consult your doctor if your problem persists or worsens. However, bumps, redness, itchiness, stinging, and burning, of the treated skin may happen. If any of the mentioned effects persist or worsen, notify your pharmacist or doctor immediately. It is worth noting that if your doctor has directed you to use this treatment, he or she has judged that the benefit of this medication to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Most people using this remedy do not have severe side effects. Inform your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but severe side effects occur: blistering, oozing, open sores.
