Zest Health Guide to Topical Antifungals

What are antifungals and how do they work?

Topical antifungals are medications applied directly to the skin to treat fungal and yeast infections. They work by either killing the fungal cells or stopping them from growing and reproducing.

• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) - flaky, dry or greasy skin on the scalp, face, or ears
• Intertrigo - red, irritated, itchy rash under arms or skin folds
• Tinea versicolor - patches of lighter or darker skin, often on the chest, back, or shoulders 
• Ringworm (tinea corporis) - circular, scaly patches on the body
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) - itchy rash in the groin area or inner thighs
• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) - peeling, cracking or itchy skin between toes or on the feet
• Yeast infections (candidiasis) - in skin folds, diaper area, or other warm, moist areas

Getting Started: Using Antifungals

Treating a fungal infection effectively isn’t just about applying the medication — it’s about consistency and creating the right environment for healing.

A few important steps to build in from the start:

• Clean and Dry: Wash the affected area with mild soap and pat it completely dry before applying. Fungi thrive in moisture.
• Apply Beyond the Border: Apply the medication to the visible rash and about 2 cm (roughly ¾ of an inch) of the surrounding healthy skin around it to catch spreading spores.
• Wash Your Hands: Before and after application to prevent spreading the fungus to other parts of your body.

Common Antifungal Medications

Azoles (most common): broad coverage for yeast and fungal infections

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• Miconazole (Micatin)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Econazole

Allylamines: effective for ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Naftifine (Naftin)

Others: effective for fungal or yeast infections

• Ciclopirox (Loprox)
• Nystatin 

Applying Topical Antifungals

Your Zest team will customize your care based on your goals and how your body responds. 

General Instructions:

• Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly before applying topicals
• Apply a thin layer to the affected area and about ¾ of an inch to surrounding healthy skin
• Gently massage into the skin
• Wash your hands after applying
• Apply once or twice daily as directed
• Keep the treated area clean and dry

How Long Will I Use It? 

Treatment length depends on the type and location of infection:

• Ringworm (body): 2-4 weeks
• Jock itch: 2-4 weeks
• Athlete's foot: 4-6 weeks (feet are harder to treat)
• Yeast infections: 2-4 weeks
• Tinea versicolor: 2-4 weeks (skin color may take months to fully return to normal, even after the infection is gone)

Even if your symptoms improve quickly, continue using the medication for the full treatment period as directed. Stopping too early can cause the infection to return. Some providers recommend continuing until 1 week after your rash clears.

Getting Started

• Submit baseline photos for your skin condition for a severity assessment.
• No routine blood work is needed, but please share all current and past medications with your provider.
• Provide previous treatment records, if requested.

Expected Results

• Itching often improves within a few days
• Visible improvement in redness and scaling usually occurs within 1-2 weeks
• Complete clearing may take the full treatment course. Stick with it — it’s worth it

Tips for Success

Keep the Area Clean and Dry:

• Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments
• Dry thoroughly after bathing, especially between toes and skin folds
• Change socks daily if you have athlete's foot
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing
• Use powder (like Over-The-Counter Zeasorb) if you need help keeping areas dry

Prevent Reinfection:

• Don't share personal items like towels, clothing, socks or razors
• Wash clothing towels and bedding regularly with hot water, and dry items completely 
• Keep skin clean and dry; treat all affected areas as directed
• Wash hands after touching the infected area
• Put on socks before underwear if treating foot and groin infections — this helps prevent spreading
• Clean carpets and disinfect bathroom regularly

Is it Safe/Are There Any Side Effects?

Most side effects are mild and can include:

• Burning or stinging 
• Redness, peeling 

Less common side effects:

• Contact Dermatitis
• Temporary skin discoloration 

Storing Your Medication

• Store at room temperature
• Keep tube or bottle tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not ingest medication
• Check expiration date before each use

When to Contact Your Zest Team 

• No improvement after 2-4 weeks of treatment
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction or infection
• Unusual worsening redness, pain, or swelling, or other signs of skin infection (pus, warmth, fever)
• Any vision changes if using medication near your eyes

Have more questions?

Contact your Zest care team by texting (865)-426-1746 or sending a chat message from your portal. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you. Together, let’s work toward relief and clear skin!