A topical antifungal cream or gel for fungal skin infections
Naftifine
An antifungal cream or gel put on the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
What is Naftifine?
Naftifine is an antifungal medicine that is applied to the skin as a cream or gel to treat common fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch. It works by stopping the fungus from growing, which clears the infection and eases the itching, scaling and redness. It is used only on the skin, not swallowed, and the most common problems are local effects where it is applied, such as burning, stinging, redness or dryness. It is important to keep using it for the full course, even after the skin looks better, so the infection does not come back.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Naftifine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Naftifine is a topical antifungal, which means it is applied directly to the skin rather than taken by mouth. It belongs to a group of antifungals called allylamines and is used to treat common fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot (between the toes and on the soles), ringworm of the body, and jock itch in the groin area. It comes as a cream or gel that is rubbed into the affected skin and the area just around it. Because it acts on the skin surface, it treats infections of the skin rather than deeper or internal fungal problems.
How it works
Naftifine stops fungi from making an essential part of their cell wall, so the fungal cells cannot grow and survive. As the fungus is cleared, the symptoms it causes, such as itching, scaling, redness and cracking, gradually settle. Because the infection takes time to clear fully and fungal spores can linger, the cream or gel needs to be used regularly for the whole course, even once the skin starts to look and feel better, to reduce the chance of the infection coming back.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A topical antifungal applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
Practical use
How to take Naftifine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash and dry the affected skin, then apply a thin layer of cream or gel to the area and a little of the surrounding skin.
- Use it only on the skin; do not swallow it or get it in your eyes, and rinse with water if it does get in your eyes.
- Keep using it for the full course you are told, even after the skin looks better, so the infection does not return.
- Wash your hands after applying it, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- Tell your prescriber or pharmacist if the skin becomes very irritated or the infection does not improve.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Naftifine
Advantages
- An effective treatment for common fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
- Applied directly to the skin, so very little is absorbed into the body.
- Simple to use as a cream or gel that you rub into the affected area.
Disadvantages
- Can cause local skin reactions such as burning, stinging, redness or dryness where it is applied.
- Needs to be used regularly for the full course, or the infection may come back.
- Treats infections of the skin only, not deeper or internal fungal problems.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important thing to know is that naftifine is for use on the skin only and should not be swallowed or used in the eyes; if it gets into the eyes, they should be rinsed with water. The most common side effects are local skin reactions where it is applied, such as burning, stinging, redness, itching or dryness, which are usually mild and settle. To get the best results, it helps to wash and dry the area first, apply a thin layer to the affected skin and a little of the surrounding skin, and keep using it for the full course advised, often a couple of weeks or more, even after symptoms improve. Stopping too soon is a common reason the infection returns. Wash your hands after applying it, unless your hands are the area being treated.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to naftifine should not use it.
- It should not be swallowed or used in the eyes.
- It is used with care in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Monitoring
- Checking that the skin infection improves over the course of treatment.
- Watching for skin irritation or signs of an allergic reaction.
- Reviewing whether a different treatment is needed if the infection does not clear.
Side effects
- Burning, stinging, itching, redness or dryness where it is applied, which is usually mild.
- Occasionally, more noticeable skin irritation.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction, which should be reported.
Key interactions
- Because it is used on the skin and little is absorbed, important medicine interactions are unlikely.
- Avoid putting other creams or products on the same area at the same time unless advised.
- Tell your pharmacist about other skin treatments you are using on the affected area.
Available as: A cream or gel applied to the skin.
Answers
Naftifine: frequently asked questions
What is naftifine used for?
It is a topical antifungal used to treat common fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch.
How do I apply it?
Wash and dry the area, then rub a thin layer of the cream or gel into the affected skin and a little of the surrounding skin.
Why does it sting when I put it on?
Local burning, stinging or redness where it is applied is the most common side effect and is usually mild and short-lived.
How long should I use it for?
Use it for the full course you are told, often a couple of weeks or more, even after the skin looks better, so the infection does not come back.
Can I swallow it or use it in my eyes?
No. Naftifine is for use on the skin only; do not swallow it or get it in your eyes, and rinse with water if it does get in your eyes.
The wider class
About Topical antifungal (allylamine)
Naftifine belongs to the topical antifungal (allylamine) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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