Lamisil is the brand name for the antifungal medication terbinafine. It's available in over-the-counter topical formulations of cream, solution and spray. Lamisil is also available by prescription in tablets and granules to be taken orally. Lamisil is used to treat a number of fungal infections including skin, nail and scalp infections.
Nail Fungus
Lamisil tablets are approved for the treatment of nail fungus. Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection of the nail or nail bed with dermatophyte organisms, which generally results in deformity or separation of the fingernails or toenails. Lamisil tablets generally are prescribed to be taken for a number of months before the infection is completely cleared because new, uninfected nails take several months to grow. Lamisil tablets are not recommended by those who have chronic liver problems or significant impairment in kidney function. It may cause side effects such as headache, rash and gastrointestinal disturbance.
Scalp Fungus
Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection of the scalp with dermatophytes that typically affects children. It's characterized by itching, bald spots, pus-filled sores, round, red patches or black spots on the scalp. Lamisil oral granules are approved to treat tinea capitis in children older than 4. Lamisil is given daily by mouth for a minimum of six weeks, but multiple treatment regimens may have to be given as the condition often recurs.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot or tinea pedis is occasionally called ringworm of the foot. It has symptoms of itching, burning, redness and peeling of the foot and can be particularly bothersome between the toes. It may be treated by topical treatment, including Lamisil spray, an aerosol formulation, as well as with Lamisil solution . This may be applied to the area directly and allowed to dry before putting on socks or shoes.
Ringworm
Ringworm or tinea corporis is a dermatophyte infection of the skin characterized by an itchy, red rash that is often round with a white scaly middle, giving it a ringed appearance. It can often be effectively treated by the application of Lamisil Topical treatments such as Lamisil cream and Lamisil solution.
Jock Itch
Tinea cruris is often called jock itch. It's an infection of the groin area with dermatophytes. It's the most common occurrence of infection with the dermatophyte organism. Jock itch has symptoms of itching, burning, redness and rash in and around all areas of the groin, particularly folded areas. Lamisil Topical treatments including cream, spray and solution formulations are often effective in treating the infection. When treating jock itch or other dermatophyte groin infections, the area should be kept clean and dry as much as possible.
Cutaneous Candidiasis
The yeast organism Candida albicans can cause infections of the skin in virtually any area of the body--particularly warm and moist areas such as the groin and folds of the skin in obese people. Diabetics are particularly susceptible to Candida infections of the skin. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives may also increase the risk for Candida infection. Symptoms include redness, rash, itching and burning. Depending upon the location of the infection, topical Lamisil treatments are often effective.
