Terbinafine Cream

Always use Terbinafine Cream as directed by your prescriber or as described in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

1. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and pat completely dry before applying.

2. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin and the area immediately surrounding it. For jock itch, ensure the cream reaches all affected skin in the groin and inner thigh area.

3. Rub the cream in gently until fully absorbed.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying, unless the hands themselves are being treated.

5. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water.

6. Apply once daily and at the same time each day to maintain consistency.

For jock itch, wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing during treatment can help reduce moisture and support recovery. For ringworm, avoid scratching the affected area to prevent spreading the infection to other areas of skin or to other people.

Recommended Duration:

Ringworm (tinea corporis): 1 to 2 weeks, once daily

Jock itch (tinea cruris): 1 to 2 weeks, once daily

Always complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms appear to improve before the end. Stopping early risks the infection returning. Your prescriber will confirm the appropriate duration for your specific presentation.

Terbinafine Cream 1% is suited to localised skin infections such as ringworm and jock itch where the infection is confined to a specific area of skin.

Terbinafine 250mg tablets are an oral treatment taken by mouth. They are typically used when the infection has spread to multiple areas of the body, affects the nails, or has not responded adequately to topical treatment.

In general:

Use Terbinafine Cream if your ringworm or jock itch is localised to a defined area of skin

Use Terbinafine tablets if the infection is widespread, involves the nails, or your prescriber has assessed that a systemic treatment is more appropriate

If you are unsure which option is right for you, our online prescribers will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment as part of your consultation.

Terbinafine Cream is generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon when used as directed.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

Itching at the site of application

Peeling or flaking skin

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Skin colour changes

Scabbing or crusting

Burning sensation

Redness, irritation, or discomfort at the application site

Allergic reaction: Stop use immediately and go to your nearest A&E if you experience severe itching with raised lumps, hives, or blisters, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take your medication with you.

This is not an exhaustive list. Refer to the patient information leaflet for full details.

Do not use if you are allergic to Terbinafine or any listed ingredient

Not for use in children under 12 years of age

Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose during application

Do not apply under bandages or occlusive dressings

Do not share your medication with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms

For jock itch, do not apply to broken or severely inflamed skin without prescriber guidance

Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets

Do not use past the expiry date on the packaging

Dispose of unused or expired medicine via your local pharmacy

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Terbinafine Cream. Disclose pregnancy or breastfeeding status during your online consultation so our prescribers can make an appropriate individual assessment. Treatment will only be recommended where the benefit to the mother is considered to outweigh any potential risk.

Q: What is Terbinafine Cream used for on this page?

This page covers the use of Terbinafine Cream 1% specifically for ringworm (tinea corporis) and jock itch (tinea cruris). It can also be used for athlete's foot, skin candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor.

Q: Is ringworm dangerous?

Ringworm is not dangerous but it is contagious and will not resolve on its own without antifungal treatment. Left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body or to other people. It is important to start treatment promptly and to avoid sharing towels, clothing, or bedding with others while the infection is active.

Q: Is jock itch contagious?

Yes. Jock itch can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or through sharing towels and clothing. It is commonly associated with athlete's foot as the same fungus can transfer from the feet to the groin. Treating both conditions at the same time, if present, is advisable.

Q: How quickly does Terbinafine Cream work for ringworm and jock itch?

Most people notice an improvement in itching and redness within a few days of starting treatment. Visible improvement in the rash typically follows within one to two weeks. It is important to complete the full prescribed course to ensure the infection is fully cleared and does not return.

Q: Can I use Terbinafine Cream for athlete's foot as well?

Yes. Terbinafine Cream is also effective for athlete's foot (tinea pedis). If you have both athlete's foot and jock itch, mention this during your consultation as the same fungus can be responsible for both.

Q: Should I use Terbinafine Cream or Terbinafine tablets for ringworm?

For localised ringworm or jock itch confined to a specific area of skin, Terbinafine Cream is usually the first-line option. If the infection is widespread, covers multiple areas, or has not responded to topical treatment, Terbinafine tablets may be more appropriate. Our prescribers will assess which is right for your situation.

Q: Can I use Terbinafine Cream on my face?

Terbinafine Cream can be used on facial skin for conditions like ringworm, but you should be careful to avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose. If your prescriber recommends it for a facial infection, follow their specific guidance. Do not apply to broken or severely inflamed facial skin without explicit prescriber guidance.

Q: What should I do if my ringworm or jock itch keeps coming back?

Recurrent infections may suggest ongoing exposure to the source of the fungus, such as contaminated footwear, shared changing facilities, or a close contact who is also infected. If your infection recurs repeatedly, speak to your prescriber about preventative measures and whether further investigation is appropriate.

Q: Can Terbinafine Cream be used in children?

Terbinafine Cream is not recommended for children under 12. For children aged 12 and over it may be suitable under medical supervision. Disclose the patient's age during your consultation.

Q: Can I use Terbinafine Cream if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Disclose pregnancy or breastfeeding status during your consultation. Our prescribers will make an individual assessment and will only recommend treatment where it is considered appropriate for your circumstances.