Fungal infections are diseases caused by fungi that can manifest as a yeast or mold. It affects almost everyone in the community, especially in tropical areas where there is high moisture and moderate temperature. In Singapore, fungal infections are common and can be treated with antifungal creams that are widely available in the market. Below is a list of the best antifungal creams that you can use depending on the type of fungal infection you have.
9 Best Antifungal Creams in Singapore 2024
Table of Contents
Why it’s our top pick
Canespro Bifonazole antifungal cream offers treatment to a wide range of fungal infections, thanks to its potent antifungal active ingredient that acts in eliminating the fungal pathogens. This then leads to efficient relief of fungal infection symptoms.
Overview
This antifungal cream treats different fungal infections, namely athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. It helps relieve pain and stress from the itching, redness and discomfort that these infections bring.
Key ingredients
The active agent contained in this cream is 1% Bifonazole. This is an imidazole derived broad spectrum key ingredient that acts in inhibiting ergosterol, resulting in disruption of the fungi’s cytoplasmic membrane.
Effectiveness
The Canespro bifonazole antifungal cream can be a treatment of choice against fungal pathogens, including dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. Its effectiveness depends on the severity of the fungal infection present. It is still best to seek medical advice prior to using this cream.
Overview
Canesten Clotrimazole antifungal cream is a topical medication used against several fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nappy rash and fungal sweat rash. It can also relieve irritation of the genital areas infected with thrush.
Key ingredients
This antifungal cream contains 1% Clotrimazole which has broad-spectrum properties that can treat a wide range of fungal pathogens such as dermatophytes and yeasts.
Effectiveness
Canesten’s 1% Clotrimazole antifungal cream is commonly used to treat vaginal and penile yeast infections such as thrush. This is for external use only and should be applied thinly. It should also be noted that additional precautions should be taken at least five days following its use.
Overview
The Zarin antifungal cream is used for treating skin infections caused by dermatophytes like ringworm, athlete’s foot and white spots.
Key ingredients
This contains 2% Miconazole Nitrate in a non-greasy, non-staining cream state. It is effective in stopping the growth of fungi, specifically of dermatophytes.
Effectiveness
The Zarin 2% Miconazole antifungal cream is preferred in treating ringworm infection that manifests as a red scaly rash on various parts of the body. This cream however cannot be used in children under 2 years of age.
Overview
Fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm as well as onychomycosis can be treated using this cream.
Key ingredients
This cream contains 2% Miconazole which is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that aids in treating fungal infections of nails.
Effectiveness
The Mycoban 2% miconazole antifungal cream effectively kills fungi as well as some bacteria which may also be present at the infection site. This cream is popularly known to treat not only nail fungus but also those of the skin and scalp.
Overview
The YSP antifungal cream can be used for treating fungal infections of the skin caused by the fungi, Tinea corporis and Tinea versicolor.
Key ingredients
This cream contains 2% Miconazole Nitrate that inhibits the synthesis of a major component of most fungal cell membranes, the ergosterol.
Effectiveness
The key ingredient of this cream helps alleviate itching, scaling and redness associated with the fungal skin infections. The YSP 2% Miconazole antifungal cream can also be used to treat yeast infections caused by Candida.
Overview
Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole antifungal cream is used against fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch and pityriasis, cutaneous candidiasis, as well as seborrheic dermatitis. It is also used against fungal acne of the face.
Key ingredients
The key ingredient of this cream is the 2% Ketoconazole which is responsible for disrupting the fungal growth and replication of pathogens such as dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Effectiveness
This cream is proven effective against the overgrowth of yeast on the skin, also known as Pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis. However, this medication should not be used in typical acne conditions because Ketoconazole only targets fungi-caused acne.
Overview
Key ingredients
Lamisil 1% Terbinafine antifungal cream is a topical medication that can be used in treating various fungal infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Key ingredients
1% Terbinafine hydrochloride is an antifungal element that works by killing and prohibiting growth of the fungus.
Effectiveness
This cream is preferred against jock itch, caused by the fungi Tinea cruris. This cream may relieve itching, cracking, scaling and burning sensation accompanied by jock itch. Lamisil Terbinafine may come in different formulations such as gel or spray.
Overview
Eczema is an itchy and rashy condition, and can be caused or triggered by various factors. The Emuaid antifungal cream is a relief cream that alleviates eczema symptoms such as itching and irritation.
Key ingredients
It contains Agrentum metallicum that is responsible for temporary relief and can aid in treating skin infections.
Effectiveness
Emuiad acts effectively in carrying powerful healing ingredients through its unique delivery system that helps calm inflammation and reduce pain and discomfort immediately.
Overview
Daktarin miconazole antifungal cream is a topical treatment for fungal infections that may affect even the younger ones. Some of which are, Thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, pityriasis, onychomycosis, and nappy rash.
Key ingredients
2% Miconazole nitrate is the key ingredient present in this cream. This prohibits the fungal pathogens to further spread infection throughout the body.
Effectiveness
This cream is powerful and ideal for babies as it can be used to treat nappy rash and thrush that are common fungal infections acquired by babies. It is even indicated that this can be used by babies from birth, because it is known to be gentle on the skin when applied. However, usage of creams for babies in general need direct supervision from physicians.
What is Antifungal cream?
Antifungal cream is a medication used to treat fungal infections that affects the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. It is typically applied directly to the affected skin surface. Fungus infections are broad and can infect not only adults but also babies. Hence, there are different types of antifungals available.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Antifungal Cream
Choosing the right antifungal cream can be challenging and crucial for effectively treating fungal infections. So, we made a guide for you to consider before buying antifungal creams:
- Identify the type of fungal infection- there are antifungal creams specific for the type of fungal infection you have. It is best to have an accurate diagnosis of what type of infection you have.
- Active Ingredients- Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Econazole are active ingredients in an antifungal cream that works by killing or inhibiting the growth of fungi.
- Safety and Sensitivity- Be mindful of your skin type or allergies that you may have because some antifungal creams have ingredients that can cause skin irritation and provoke allergic reactions. Prefer formulations that are hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin if you are unsure of what allergies and skin type you have.
- Brand reviews- Carefully research for the brand’s reputation and consider reading the users reviews to assess its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Fungal infections are preventable diseases that can be well-tolerated and easily treated at home through these antifungal creams. But, if symptoms persist and worsens, it is best to go see your doctor to ask for the proper medication. This is to avoid fungal pathogens invading your internal organs, and causing systemic mycosis. Overall, we hope that through this comprehensive guide on the best antifungal creams Singapore, you have selected the best antifungal cream to use for effective treatment at home.