Mycoses — fungal infections of the skin, nails or mucous membranes — are very common and, in mild forms, are treated with over-the-counter antifungals. But nails and extensive infections require oral treatment, which is longer and under supervision. Here is what you can handle on your own and when you need to see a doctor — informational.
Topical antifungals (OTC)
Creams and solutions containing clotrimazol, miconazol or terbinafină are available without a prescription and effectively treat skin mycoses: athlete's foot, jock itch, cutaneous candidiasis. The key is perseverance: apply the treatment for as long as the leaflet says and for another 1–2 weeks after the lesion appears healed, otherwise it recurs.
Vaginal candidiasis
Uncomplicated forms are treated with clotrimazol ovules (OTC) or with a single dose of oral fluconazol. If the episodes recur often or you are pregnant, see a doctor for evaluation.
Nails and oral forms
Onychomycosis (nail fungus) rarely responds to creams — it usually requires oral treatment (terbinafină, itraconazol, fluconazol), over months, with monitoring of liver function. These are taken only with a prescription, because they have interactions and adverse effects that must be supervised.
When to see a doctor
Affected nails, extensive lesions or ones that do not heal within a few weeks, frequent recurrences, or if you have diabetes or low immunity — in those cases self-treatment is not enough. Hygiene (drying the skin, cotton socks, sandals at the pool) prevents recurrence.
What's up to you
Treat completely, not just until the symptoms disappear, and keep the area dry. To compare antifungal prices at nearby pharmacies, use the HartaFarmacii search.
- ANMDMR — SmPC for clotrimazol, miconazol, terbinafină, fluconazol, itraconazol
- EMA — safety information on oral antifungals
- Dermatology guidelines on superficial mycoses