Dealing with a fungal infection and not sure which cream to use? Here's a straightforward guide to the three most common antifungal creams available — Canesten, Daktarin, and Lamisil AT — to help you choose the right one.
Canesten Cream (Clotrimazole 1%)
Canesten is one of the most trusted antifungal treatments available. Its active ingredient, clotrimazole, works by attacking the root cause of the fungal infection while relieving symptoms like itching and discomfort.
What it treats
- Athlete's foot
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
- Fungal nappy rash
- Thrush (vaginal and skin)
How to use Canesten
- Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly before applying.
- Apply a thin layer and massage gently into the skin until absorbed.
- Use two to three times daily.
- Continue for a minimum of two weeks — up to four weeks may be needed depending on the infection.
- We recommend continuing for 4–5 days after symptoms clear to prevent recurrence.
Note: Symptoms like itching and soreness should improve within a few days, but redness and scaling may take longer to resolve. If there's no improvement after four weeks, consult your doctor.
Daktarin Cream (Miconazole Nitrate 2%)
Daktarin is another highly effective antifungal, with the added benefit of also treating associated bacterial skin infections. Its active ingredient, miconazole nitrate, prevents the growth of fungi causing the infection.
What it treats
- Athlete's foot
- Ringworm
- Dhobie itch (jock itch)
- Intertrigo
- Infected nappy rash in babies
- Fungal infections of the hands, feet, outer ear, trunk, and groin
Available formats
- Cream — for skin infections
- Powder — convenient for feet and footwear
- Oral gel — for oral thrush and mouth/throat fungal infections
Note: Daktarin Cream has been sporadically unavailable due to manufacturing supply issues. Canesten Cream is a reliable alternative if Daktarin is out of stock.
Lamisil AT Cream (Terbinafine 1%)
Lamisil AT contains terbinafine hydrochloride, an antifungal that works differently to clotrimazole and miconazole. It is particularly effective for athlete's foot and jock itch, and is often recommended when other treatments haven't worked.
What it treats
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) — typically between the toes, but can affect the soles and instep. May present as cracking, scaling, blisters, or weeping ulcers.
- Dhobie itch / jock itch (tinea cruris) — affects the groin and inner thigh, often appearing as a clearly bordered rash, sometimes with blisters.
Important: Lamisil AT Cream is not suitable for fungal nail infections (discolouration, thickening, or flaking of nails) — consult your doctor for those.
How to use Lamisil AT
For adults and teenagers aged 16 and over:
- Apply once daily for one week (athlete's foot and jock itch).
- Squeeze a small amount onto your finger and apply a thin layer to the affected skin and surrounding area.
- Rub in gently. When treating between the toes, buttocks, or groin, the area may be covered with a light gauze strip — especially at night.
- Replace the cap and wash your hands after applying.
- If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor.
Not recommended for children under 16 years of age.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Canesten — best all-rounder; suitable for most fungal skin infections including thrush. Good first choice.
- Daktarin — useful when a bacterial component is also suspected alongside the fungal infection. Also available as an oral gel for oral thrush.
- Lamisil AT — particularly effective for athlete's foot and jock itch; works via a different mechanism and may be preferred if other treatments haven't resolved the infection.
Not sure which is right for you? Ask your pharmacist — we're happy to help you choose the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.