A topical antifungal cream for skin fungal infections
Oxiconazole
An antifungal cream put on the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal rashes.
What is Oxiconazole?
Oxiconazole is an antifungal cream that is applied to the skin to treat common fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal skin rashes including thrush of the skin. It works by stopping the fungus from growing, which clears the infection and eases the itching, redness and scaling it causes. It is rubbed into the affected area, usually once or twice a day, and is generally well tolerated, with mild irritation, redness or itching where it is applied being the most common side effects. It is important to keep using it for the full time advised, even once the skin looks better, so the infection does not come back.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Oxiconazole — 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
Oxiconazole is a topical antifungal medicine, meaning it is applied directly to the skin rather than swallowed. It belongs to a group of antifungals called imidazoles and is used to treat common fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot (between the toes), ringworm (a ring-shaped rash on the body), jock itch (in the groin) and other fungal rashes such as thrush affecting the skin. It comes as a cream that is smoothed onto the affected area. Because it works on the skin surface, very little is absorbed into the body, which is why it is usually very well tolerated.
How it works
Oxiconazole works by damaging the outer wall of the fungal cells, which the fungus needs to survive and grow. By interfering with how the fungus makes this protective wall, it stops the fungus multiplying and allows the infection to clear. As the fungus is brought under control, the redness, scaling, cracking and itching settle and the skin gradually returns to normal. Because fungal infections can be stubborn and the fungus may still be present even after the skin looks better, the cream is used for a set length of time to make sure the infection is fully cleared and does not return.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic manufacturers.
An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat common fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
Practical use
How to take Oxiconazole
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area and a little of the surrounding skin, rubbing it in gently, usually once or twice a day as advised.
- Wash and dry the area, especially between the toes, before putting the cream on.
- Keep using it for the full length of time you are given, 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, and keep it away from your eyes.
- Keep the area clean and dry, avoid sharing towels, and wear breathable footwear if treating athlete's foot.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Oxiconazole
Advantages
- Effective at clearing common fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
- Applied directly to the skin, so very little is absorbed and it is generally very well tolerated.
- Simple to use as a cream smoothed onto the affected area once or twice a day.
Disadvantages
- Can cause mild irritation, redness, burning or itching where it is applied.
- Needs to be used for the full course to avoid the infection coming back.
- Only treats fungal infections of the skin, not infections caused by bacteria or other germs.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important thing with oxiconazole is to keep using it for the full course you are given, even after the rash looks like it has gone, because stopping too early is a common reason for the infection coming back. It is generally very well tolerated, and the most you are likely to notice is some mild irritation, redness, burning or itching where it is applied, which usually settles. Simple measures help it work and stop the infection returning, such as keeping the area clean and dry, drying carefully between the toes, not sharing towels, and wearing breathable footwear for athlete's foot. If the skin gets more sore, blistered or no better after the expected time, it is worth getting it checked, as the diagnosis may need reviewing. It is for use on the skin only and should be kept away from the eyes.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to oxiconazole or similar antifungal creams should not use it.
- It should not be put in or near the eyes, and is for use on the skin only.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.
Monitoring
- Checking that the rash is improving over the expected time.
- Watching for signs of irritation or an allergic reaction at the site.
- Reviewing the diagnosis if the skin is no better after the full course.
Side effects
- Mild irritation, redness, burning or stinging where the cream is applied.
- Itching or dryness of the treated skin.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction with worsening rash, swelling or blistering, which means it should be stopped and checked.
Key interactions
- There are very few interactions because so little is absorbed into the body.
- Avoid using other creams on the same area at the same time unless advised, as they may interfere with each other.
- Tell a pharmacist about other skin treatments you are using on the affected area.
Available as: A cream applied to the skin.
Answers
Oxiconazole: frequently asked questions
What is oxiconazole used for?
It is an antifungal cream used to treat common fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and other fungal rashes including thrush of the skin.
How long do I need to use it?
Use it for the full length of time you are given, even after the skin looks better, as stopping too early is a common reason for the infection coming back.
Is it safe to use?
Yes, it is generally very well tolerated because very little is absorbed; the most you may notice is mild irritation, redness or itching where it is applied.
Can I use it on my face or near my eyes?
It is for use on the skin only and must be kept away from the eyes; check with a pharmacist before using it on delicate areas such as the face.
What if it is not working?
If the skin is more sore or no better after the expected time, get it checked, as the diagnosis may need reviewing or a different treatment may be needed.
The wider class
About Topical antifungal (imidazole)
Oxiconazole belongs to the topical antifungal (imidazole) 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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