Uses for Tolnaftate

Tolnaftate is an antifungal prescription medication that is used to stop the growth of fungus on the skin. Tolnaftate is a topical medication that is synthetic. It comes in various forms that include cream, spray powder, powder, gel and liquid aerosol. Tolnaftate is capable of treating several different medical conditions, including ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch.

Ringworm

• Ringworm (also known as Tinea) is not actually a worm, but rather a fungal infection. Tolnaftate is commonly used to treat this skin infection. These infections occur on the skin's surface and are characterized by the appearance of circular spots. Ringworm occurs due to skin fungi, which are called dermatophytes, that can reside solely on the layer of keratin protein that is situated on top of skin. Tolnafate should be applied topically for approximately two weeks in order to properly treat this medical condition.

Athlete's Foot

• Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) is a common skin infection that can be treated with the use of Tolnaftate. This infection occurs on the feet due to fungus. Athlete's foot manifests itself with uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, itching, peeling, pain, cracking and sometimes even bleeding. It appears as dry, peeling and red patches on the foot soles, and sometimes even as dry flakes. Tolnaftate powders are often used to treat athlete's foot.

Jock Itch

• Jock itch (Tinea curis) is often referred to as ringworm of the groin, and is another medical condition that is frequently treated by Tolnaftate. The fungal infection is an itchy rash that shows up in male groin areas. It also affects the skin of some other body parts, such as the buttocks and the inner thighs. Signs of jock itch include red, itchy rashes (shaped similarly to rings) that occur in moist and warm regions of the body. As its name indicates, jock itch commonly affects individuals that frequently sweat, such as athletes. Tolnaftate (in cream form) is a common treatment for jock itch.