Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about athlete’s foot and skin fungi (jock itch and ringworm)
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about athlete’s foot and skin fungi (jock itch and ringworm)
Yes, even after successful treatment of an athlete’s foot infection, you can become infected with athlete’s foot again. If you come into contact with the fungus again, it can lead to a new athlete’s foot infection.
Lamisil contains the active ingredient terbinafine. Terbinafine has a fungicidal effect which means it helps to kill the infecting fungus in contrast to fungistatic drugs that inhibit the growth of the fungus (without killing it) and so take longer to work than fungicidal treatments. Lamisil remains in the skin after the treatment application and continues to work for up to 13 days.
Antifungals such as Lamisil AT quickly target the fungus that causes athlete’s foot and eliminates the most common fungal infections with just one week of treatment. Continue treatment according to the leaflet even if your symptoms disappear before this. Stopping treatment early increases the risk of reinfection. You only have to use a single appliaction of Lamisil Once with the patented film-forming solution.
The terbinafine in Lamisil Once remains in the skin and continues to work against the fungus for up to 13 days after the single application. The terbinafine in Lamisil AT Cream also forms a depot in the skin. After 7 days of use, terbinafine still remains in the affected skin in fungicidal concentrations for another 7 days and continues to help to kill the fungus during this time.
Athlete’s foot is a common, curable disease. One in six British people will develop athlete’s foot during their lifetime.
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. The main pathogens causing athlete’s foot infections are filamentous fungi (dermatophytes).
Athlete’s foot causes itchy (often white) patches between the toes, it also causes redness, scaling, and cracked skin which can appear on the sides and soles of the feet. Other symptoms include blistering, weeping and sore, inflamed skin. For more information, see the Athlete’s Foot Symptoms page.
Yes. Scratching and touching infected skin can spread athlete’s foot to your hands. The infection can also be passed on by touching contaminated sheets, towels or clothing. If you touch other parts of the body after scratching the infected areas of skin, the infection may spread to the upper body, groin area, or other parts of the body. It is also recommended to put on your socks first and then your underwear.
Yes. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is extremely contagious. You, or others, can become infected by touching infected skin, surfaces or materials.
Yes, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. The medical name is tinea pedis. The cause is dermatophytes, so-called filamentous fungi, which multiply in the skin. In many cases, the fungus does not go away on its own and must be treated with antifungal medications such as Lamisil.
The symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are:
Yes. Regular foot care hygiene can help prevent athlete’s foot:
This is a common misconception that often leads to recurring infections. It is important to continue treatment for the full recommended treatment course even if symptoms disappear beforehand.
Yes. Most athlete’s foot infections can be eliminated with Lamisil although some infections will recurr within three months, such chronic infections may require longer, more comprehensive treatment. If symptoms do not disappear or symptoms return, please contact your doctor.
No. The fact that you may have come into contact with athlete’s foot pathogens does not mean that you will definitely become infected. However, if you suspect you have come into contact with the pathogen, please follow the following tips for proper foot care and pay attention to common symptoms of infection.
Yes. One of the most important aspects of preventing athlete’s foot is maintaining regular foot care. It includes:
No. Regular foot care helps prevent infection, but it does not eliminate an existing athlete’s foot infection.
Lamisil AT products (except for Lamisil ONCE) should be applied once daily (morning or evening) for 7 days. Lamisil ONCE is just one single application. Feet should be clean and dry. Ideally, Lamisil AT is applied directly after bathing or showering.
Jock itch manifests itself as red, raised, scaly patches that sometimes ooze or form blisters on the thighs, groin area, and buttocks. Sometimes the affected areas of skin are unusually dark or light.
Jock itch is caused by dermatophytes, the same fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Yes. Jock itch can be transmitted through any type of contact with infected skin.
Loose clothing and breathable materials keep your skin dry throughout the day.
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the skin caused by contagious fungi.
Symptoms of jock itch include itchy, red, raised, scaly patches of skin that sometimes ooze or form blisters. Sometimes the areas of skin affected by jock itch are unusually dark or light.
Lamisil AT contains the active ingredient terbinafine. Terbinafine has a fungicidal effect, thus it helps to kill the fungus in contrast to fungistatic active ingredients that inhibit fungal growth. After 7 days of use, terbinafine remains in the affected skin in fungicidal concentrations for up to a further 7 days and continues to fight the pathogens.
You can reduce the risk of jock itch by keeping the area clean and dry after showering or exercising, changing your underwear at least once a day, and not sharing towels and other personal items with others.
Yes. Do not share these or other personal items with someone who has jock itch.
Ringworm is a ring-shaped fungal skin infection caused by filamentous fungi.
Anyone can become infected with ringworm, but the infection is more common in children. If you suspect your child has ringworm, contact a doctor.
No, Lamisil AT Gel is approved for the treatment of ringworm and is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 16 years of age.
Lamisil AT Gel is approved for the treatment of ringworm and is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age.
Ringworm is characterized by a characteristic round, red rash with lighter skin in the center.
Ringworm manifests itself in animals as round areas with no or significantly thinned fur.
Yes. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that spreads, for example, through direct skin contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through a towel or similar.
Lamisil AT Gel contains the active ingredient terbinafine. Terbinafine has a fungicidal effect, meaning it kills the fungal pathogen, in contrast to fungistatic drugs that inhibit fungal growth.
Wash your hands regularly, wear clean, breathable clothing, and avoid contact with infected animals. Do not share towels, clothing, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
Yes. Ringworm can be transmitted by touching an animal that has ringworm.
Ringworm initially appears as a flat, scaly patch on the skin that is sometimes red and itchy. This spot develops a slightly raised edge that spreads outward to form a ring. The contour of the ring may be irregular and the interior may be light, scaly, or have red pustules. Sometimes several rings develop at the same time, which may overlap each other.
Ringworm can occur on the upper body, hands, arms, and legs.
Yes. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin.
An untreated ringworm infection can spread to other areas of the body and worsen over time. Antifungal treatment, such as Lamisil AT Gel, should be used to help to prevent these complications.