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.
LamisilAT contains the active ingredient terbinafine. Terbinafine has a fungicidal effect, which means it kills the fungal pathogen, in contrast to fungistatic drugs that inhibit fungal proliferation. With fungistatic therapy, the fungal pathogens are removed through skin renewal (3-4 weeks). LamisilAT remains in the skin beyond the period of use and continues to fight the pathogens.
Antifungals such as Lamisil quickly target the pathogens that cause athlete’s foot between the toes and eliminate the most common fungal infections with just one to two weeks of use. Continue treatment according to label instructions until the end, even if your symptoms disappear beforehand. Stopping treatment prematurely increases the risk of reinfection.
The terbinafine in Lamisil cream forms a depot in the skin. After 7 days of use, terbinafine remains in the affected skin in fungicidal concentrations for another 7 days and continues to fight the pathogens.
Athlete’s foot is a contact infection that can affect anyone. It is the most common fungal infection, with over 70% of the US poplulation having it at one point in their life.
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), which usually infect the space between the fourth and fifth toes.
Athlete’s foot causes scaling, redness, and cracked skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes. 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 can become infected – or others – 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 LamisilAT.
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 can help prevent athlete’s foot:
No. This is a common misconception that often leads to recurring infections. It is important to continue treatment for the full duration of use, even if symptoms disappear beforehand.
Yes. The athlete’s foot infections can be eliminated with LamisilAT. A small percentage of athlete’s foot sufferers have a chronic infection that requires longer, more comprehensive treatment. If you are concerned that you have a chronic athlete’s foot infection, 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.
Yes! Prevention begins with regular foot care. Good foot care includes:
No. Regular foot care helps prevent infection, but it does not eliminate an existing athlete’s foot infection.
Use LamisilAT Cream once a day according to the package.
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.
LamisilAT contains the active ingredient terbinafine. Terbinafine has a fungicidal effect, meaning it kills the fungal pathogen, 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 another 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.
LamisilAT cream is approved for patients aged 12 and over.
Treat ringworm with LamisilAT cream. The same products are also used to treat athlete’s foot.
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.
LamisilAT 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. LamisilAT remains in the skin beyond the 7 to 14 day period of use and fights the pathogens.
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 lead to a secondary bacterial infection called erysipelas. Ringworm is usually well treated with a fungal antifungal such as LamisilAT cream once daily for 7 to 14 days.