Sulconazole

About Sulconazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antifungals.

It is used to treat tinea (fungal) infections of the skin. Tinea infections are also sometimes known as ringworm.

Tinea infections may be caught from another person, from an animal, from soil, from the floors of showers, or from household objects, such as chairs or carpets.

The word tinea is sometimes followed by the Latin term for the affected part of the body e.g. tinea pedis (feet), tinea cruris (groin), tinea corporis (body) and tinea manum (hands).

The appearance and symptoms of tinea vary according to the site. The most common type is tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot, which causes cracking and itching between the toes. Tinea corporis is characterised by itchy patches on the body that are usually circular with a prominent edge. Tinea cruris (also commonly called jock itch) produces a reddened, itchy area spreading from the genitals outwards over the inside of the thigh. This form of tinea is more common in males.

Sulconazole is available in cream form.

It is also sometimes known as Exelderm. You may notice the use of either name on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Sulconazole

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use Sulconazole

• Use Sulconazole exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Sulconazole preparations are usually applied once or twice a day until the infection has cleared and should be continued for two to three weeks to prevent the infection coming back.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after handling Sulconazole.
• Do not allow Sulconazole to come into contact with the eyes, ears, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.), unless you are advised to do so by your doctor.
• Complete the full course of treatment with Sulconazole, otherwise your infection is likely to come back.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside Sulconazole.
• You should see an improvement in your condition after a few days. If your condition does not seem to be getting better after four weeks, consult your doctor for advice.

Can Sulconazole cause problems?

Sulconazole occasionally causes skin irritation such as redness, itching, blistering or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using Sulconazole and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Sulconazole

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/04/2005