How to Tell If Terbinafine is Working?

At a Glance

• Less itching, resolving rashes, and reduced inflammation are some of the symptoms that show terbinafine is working.
• Treating fungal skin infections with creams often works faster than fungal conditions which need to be treated with tablets (3-4 weeks versus a few months).

What is Terbinafine?

Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that inhibits the growth of fungi. It's commonly used to treat infections on the skin such as athlete's foot, ringworm, etc.

Terbinafine is available in several forms including both cream and tablet form. Creams are easy to apply and not oily, so they are preferred for skin conditions concentrated in one area such as athlete’s foot. Tablets are better for widespread fungal conditions like ringworm. Both formulations can be found at Prescription Doctor and our team will help guide you to the treatment most suitable for you.

How Does It Work?

Terbinafine targets the cell walls in fungi, specifically ergosterol, the main component in these cell walls that maintains structure and function. Damaged cell walls lead to cell death and resolve the infection.

Signs That Terbinafine is Working

One of the first signs that Terbinafine is working is a reduction in symptoms. This includes:

Fungal infections do not resolve instantly, so it is important to keep taking the medicine even if there are no immediate improvements. Over time, you should see visible improvements in the condition of your skin:

• Healing skin: Areas that were once cracked or scaly should begin to heal, e.g., skin stops peeling for athlete’s foot.
• Blisters disappear: The appearance of small blisters (depending on the condition) should start to clear with consistent treatment.
• Skin Tone: The affected area should begin to blend in with your normal skin color to give a more even skin tone.

Expected Timeline for Results

Weeks 1-2: Initial Improvement

You should notice an improvement within the first week or two of treatment, especially with terbinafine cream. Symptoms like itching and redness should be reduced.

Weeks 3-4: Continued Healing

Continued use of the cream should see further healing. The infection should substantially improve or even be resolved by the end of four weeks. For tablets, you should also see a difference for infections that take longer to resolve, i.e., a reduction in nail discolouration for fungal nail infections.

Weeks 4-6: Recovery

Most fungal infections clear within four weeks, but some take longer. Most fungal skin infections will heal after 4-6 weeks, but full recovery of fungal nail infections can take months because a new nail has to grow out.

3 Factors Which Influence Effectiveness

• Severity: Severe infections may take longer to heal as they are more difficult to clear. Certain fungi are resistant to specific antifungals, and resistance can also develop if you use an antifungal for too long.
• Adherence: Consistent taking of Terbinafine is essential, especially during the early stages where improvements may only be subtle. Missing doses reduces efficacy and delays recovery.
• Location: Fungal infections can occur anywhere on the body from nails to scalp; some locations take longer to treat because of harder skin penetration, e.g., fingernails and toenails, and moisture/environment (skin folds are optimal for fungal growth).

When Should You Seek Further Advice

• Symptoms not improving: Terbinafine cream usually works within a few days, whereas tablets require longer, i.e., a few weeks. If you have taken the treatment course and your symptoms do not improve, talk to your clinician. You may need a different treatment or a stronger dose.
• Side Effects: While side effects are rare, some people may experience:
  • Skin Irritation from cream: This includes peeling, redness, or itching skin. If this happens, either use smaller amounts of cream, stop using it, and try to avoid tight clothes and materials which can irritate the skin further.
  • Tablet Use: Rash, headache, and diarrhea. Try not to itch the rash; rather pat and tap the area. An antihistamine can also help. Diarrhea and headache can be resolved by keeping hydrated.

• Recurrent Infections: Provided the treatment is taken for the appropriate duration of time, the fungal infection should be completely clear. If the infection persistently returns, speak to your clinician as there may be an underlying issue.

Conclusion

Terbinafine is an effective treatment for fungal infections but requires patience and adherence to see results. By monitoring the reduction in symptoms, and visible improvements in your condition, and following the treatment duration, you can determine which treatment is best for you.