Sometimes your skin, especially in the groin and armpits, becomes red, has small blisters, and itches unbearably, doesn't it? These can often be fungal infections. This condition is really annoying. So, a medicine that a doctor often prescribes for such a condition, and you may have also used it, is a powder or cream called Tolnaftate. Today, let's learn exactly about this medicine, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Tolnaftate?
Simply put, Tolnaftate is an antifungal medicine. This means that this medicine can kill certain types of fungi or yeast that grow on our skin. Just like mold grows in damp places, these types of fungi can easily spread on our skin, especially in places where there is a lot of sweat and moisture.
This medicine is often used:
- Athlete's foot: A fungal infection that occurs between the toes.
- Jock itch: A fungal infection that occurs in the groin area.
- Ringworm: A fungal infection that causes round, worm-like lesions on the skin.
This medicine can come as a powder, cream, liquid, or spray. Your doctor will decide which is best for you based on your condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing Tolnaftate to you, it is very important to inform your doctor about these things, because we need to be more careful when using this medication with certain medical conditions.
- If you have diabetes mellitus . Skin infections in diabetics take longer to heal and are more likely to be serious.
- If you have any weakness in your immune system (e.g. HIV, if you are undergoing cancer treatment).
- If you have peripheral vascular disease , wound healing may be delayed in these conditions.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Tolnaftate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
By providing this information to the doctor, you will be able to receive treatment safely.
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. Clean the skin: Before applying the medicine, wash the infected area thoroughly with soap and water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Remember, fungus thrives in moisture. Therefore, it is essential to dry it thoroughly.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine.
3. Apply a thin layer: Take the medicine (cream or powder) and apply a thin layer to the infected area and the surrounding skin. You don't need to apply a lot.
4. Do not apply to eyes or nose: This is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth or apply it to eyes or nose for any reason.
5. Complete the prescribed period: Use this for the number of days prescribed by your doctor, or for the duration indicated on the medicine package. Do not stop halfway through just because the itching has subsided or the redness has gone. If you do, the fungus that has not been completely eliminated may grow back and the disease may return.
6. If given to children: A doctor may sometimes prescribe this medicine for children over 2 years of age. But only on medical advice.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
More tips to cure the infection quickly
If you take care of these things while using the medication, you can cure the infection quickly and prevent it from coming back.
| Type of infection | What to do |
|---|---|
| Jock Itch |
|
| Infections between the toes (Athlete's Foot) |
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Never use a double dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people don't experience serious side effects, but sometimes you can see things like this.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Exacerbation of infection | If redness, pain, or inflammation increases where the medicine was applied. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin changes | Dry skin, slight burning, itching, or redness where the medicine is applied. |
If your symptoms do not improve after a week or two, or if they get worse, be sure to see your doctor again. You may have another infection that this medicine will not treat.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from freezing.
- Discard any medicine that has passed its expiration date without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Tolnaftate is a topical medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Do not take it by mouth.
- Before applying the medicine, it is very important to wash the infected area thoroughly and dry it completely.
- Even if your symptoms subside, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
- Wear loose cotton clothing and keep the skin dry to prevent the infection from recurring.
- If your condition does not improve or worsens, see your doctor immediately.
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