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Skin & Antifungals

Skin & Antifungals treatments

Browse treatment options in this category. Independent EU-registered doctors review every assessment, and licensed pharmacy fulfilment is confirmed later in the route where clinically appropriate.

Last updated 2026-04-28 See available options

Skin & Antifungals

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Skin and antifungal treatments in Europe

Superficial fungal infections — affecting the skin, nails, and scalp — are among the most common dermatological conditions seen in European primary care. Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) alone affects an estimated 5–10% of adults, with prevalence rising significantly with age. Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm), and tinea cruris (jock itch) are seen across all age groups.

Most superficial infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton) or, less commonly, by yeast species such as Candida. Treatment selection depends on the location, extent, and species involved: topical agents are first-line for localised skin infections; oral agents are reserved for nail involvement, widespread skin involvement, or treatment-resistant cases.

The main antifungal drug classes used in primary care are allylamines (terbinafine), azoles (fluconazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole), and polyenes (nystatin). Each class targets fungal cell-membrane synthesis through a different mechanism, which informs both efficacy and side-effect profile. Oral terbinafine is the most effective oral treatment for dermatophyte nail infections; oral fluconazole is preferred for systemic Candida infections.

All oral antifungal treatment decisions must be made by a qualified, independent doctor following a thorough assessment of relevant medical history including liver function, current medications, and pregnancy status.

How can we help you?

What conditions are covered under skin and antifungal treatments?
This category covers fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis), athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and superficial yeast infections of the skin. Vaginal candidiasis is also covered where oral or topical antifungals are clinically appropriate.
Are antifungal treatments available without a prescription in Europe?
Some topical antifungals are available over-the-counter for short courses, but oral antifungals such as terbinafine and fluconazole are prescription-only across EU member states because of liver-function and drug-interaction considerations. An independent EU-registered doctor reviews each assessment to determine whether oral treatment is appropriate.
How long does antifungal treatment typically take?
Course length depends on the infection. Topical creams for skin infections often run 1–2 weeks; oral terbinafine for fingernail onychomycosis runs 6 weeks; toenail onychomycosis typically requires 12 weeks of oral treatment, with full nail clearance taking several additional months as the healthy nail grows out.
When should I see a doctor in person rather than use an online assessment?
If the affected area is rapidly spreading, painful, ulcerated, weeping, or accompanied by fever, in-person evaluation is required. Patients with diabetes, immunosuppression, or known liver disease should also be evaluated in person before any oral antifungal is started.

Intermediary notice:Prescrivia connects patients with independent EU-registered doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines directly. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.

Written by Prescrivia Editorial. Medical information sourced from European Medicines Agency (EMA), World Health Organization (WHO), and published clinical data.

This content is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.

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Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent EU-registered doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.