An antifungal cream for skin fungal infections
Sertaconazole
An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
What is Sertaconazole?
Sertaconazole is an antifungal cream from the azole group, applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and other tinea infections. It works by stopping the fungus from growing so the infection clears. It is rubbed gently into the affected area and the skin around it, usually for a couple of weeks, and it is well tolerated. The main side effect is mild irritation, such as redness, itching or burning, where it is applied. It is for use on the skin only.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sertaconazole — 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
Sertaconazole is an antifungal cream used to treat fungal (and some yeast) infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot, ringworm of the body or groin, and similar tinea infections. It belongs to the azole group of antifungals. It is applied directly to the affected skin rather than taken by mouth, so it acts where the infection is. It is generally well tolerated and is a common treatment for these everyday skin infections, available for use on the skin only.
How it works
Sertaconazole interferes with the fungal cell membrane, the outer layer the fungus needs to survive, by blocking the production of a substance the membrane depends on. This damages the membrane so the fungus cannot grow and is killed, allowing the skin infection to clear and the skin to heal. Because it is applied directly to the affected skin, it concentrates the treatment where it is needed with very little getting into the rest of the body, which is why it is well tolerated. It is usually applied for a set number of days, and continuing for a short time after the skin looks better helps stop the infection coming back.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic and branded manufacturers.
A topical antifungal cream used in the UK to treat fungal infections of the skin.
Practical use
How to take Sertaconazole
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Wash and dry the affected skin first, then rub the cream gently into the area and a little of the surrounding skin.
- Apply it as directed, usually once or twice a day, for the full recommended time.
- Keep using it for the full course even after the skin looks better, to stop the infection coming back.
- Wash your hands after applying it, and keep it away from the eyes.
- See a pharmacist or doctor if the rash does not improve, as the diagnosis may need checking.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sertaconazole
Advantages
- An effective, easy-to-use cream for common skin fungal infections.
- Applied directly to the skin, so very little gets into the rest of the body.
- Generally well tolerated, with only mild local side effects in most people.
Disadvantages
- Can cause mild irritation such as redness, itching or burning where it is applied.
- Needs to be used for the full course to stop the infection coming back.
- It treats infections of the skin only and is not for use in the eyes.
Practical use
Good to know
The most helpful thing to know about sertaconazole is to keep using it for the full recommended time, usually around a couple of weeks, even once the skin looks and feels better, because stopping too early can let the infection come back. It should be rubbed gently into the affected area and a little of the surrounding skin, and washing and drying the area first, especially between the toes for athlete's foot, helps it work. It is well tolerated, with the main side effect being mild irritation such as redness, itching, burning or dryness where it is applied, which usually settles. It is for use on the skin only and should be kept away from the eyes. If the rash does not improve, see a pharmacist or doctor, as the diagnosis may need checking.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to sertaconazole or similar azole antifungals should not use it.
- It should not be used in or near the eyes.
- It is used with care on broken or badly inflamed skin, and advice should be sought if unsure of the diagnosis.
Monitoring
- Checking that the skin infection is improving over the course of treatment.
- Watching the treated skin for irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Reviewing the diagnosis if the rash does not clear, as another cause may be present.
Side effects
- Mild irritation such as redness, itching, burning or dryness where it is applied.
- Occasionally a rash or peeling of the treated skin.
- Rarely, a more troublesome allergic skin reaction, which should prompt you to stop and seek advice.
Key interactions
- There are few important interactions, as very little is absorbed into the body when used on the skin.
- Avoid using other irritating skin products on the same area at the same time unless advised.
- Tell a pharmacist about other skin treatments you are using to avoid over-treating the skin.
Available as: A cream applied to the skin.
Answers
Sertaconazole: frequently asked questions
What is sertaconazole used for?
It is an antifungal cream used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot, ringworm and similar tinea infections.
How long should I use it?
Use it for the full recommended time, usually around a couple of weeks, and keep going for a short time after the skin looks better to stop it coming back.
Does it cause side effects?
It is well tolerated; the main side effect is mild irritation such as redness, itching or burning where it is applied, which usually settles.
Can I use it near my eyes?
No. It is for use on the skin only and should be kept away from the eyes.
What if the rash does not clear?
If it does not improve, see a pharmacist or doctor, as the diagnosis may need checking or a different treatment may be needed.
The wider class
About Topical azole antifungal (skin)
Sertaconazole belongs to the topical azole antifungal (skin) 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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