Advice for your customers
Helping your customer to understand their antifungal treatment
To treat fungal skin infections successfully, customers need to know how to use the product correctly. This can vary depending on the different ingredients and formulations. To help you, we have created some simple questions that customers may ask and the advice you can offer in response.
HOW does the product work?
- Antifungal treatments work by treating the underlying cause of the infection.
- If the antifungal treatment contains a corticosteroid then this will soothe the inflammation, redness and soreness.
WHY is it important that they use this medicine? Are there any other treatment options?
- Antifungals come in different formats. (The table above can help match the right treatment to your customers' needs). You will need to investigate what areas of skin are affected and the most troubling symptoms. This type of information can help you to choose the right treatment for your customer.
- Suggest a spray formulation if the area is too difficult to reach or painful to touch.
- If the customer has small areas of particularly inflamed and irritated skin you can recommend antifungal creams that also contain a corticosteroid. These should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area for up to seven days and then they should continue to use a topical antifungal until the infection is cleared. This information can be passed on to the customer by showing the product packaging and patient information leaflet to emphasise the important points.
Self help tips for customers
- Wash the affected skin daily and dry thoroughly afterwards
- Do not share towels and wash towels frequently
- Avoid scratching affected skin as this may spread infection to other sites.
For sweat rash:
- Dry carefully, dabbing the skin rather than rubbing
- Keep skin cool and dry
- Avoid tight or synthetic clothing.
For jock itch:
- Wear loose, cotton underwear
- Change underwear daily
- Don't wear wet swimwear for too long
- If the customer has athlete's foot as well, advise they put socks on before underwear.
For ringworm:
- Avoid animals with skin problems
- Make sure children wash their hands after playing with pets or touching farm animals.
For nappy rash:
- Change nappies regularly
- Use a nappy care ointment (e.g. Bepanthen) after each change
- Avoid plastic pants, which prevent skin from breathing
- Wipe baby's bottom from front to back.
