HomeAnswersDermatologyskin rashWhen will rashes go away after using Miconazole cream?

How long do antifungal creams take to eliminate the rashes on the neck?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At October 15, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 14, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a rash on my neck for the past one year. It is pinkish, oval in shape and about two centimeters in diameter. I tried using the topical Hydrocortisone 1 % cream I bought from a pharmacy. It seemed to work, as it helped me get rid of the rash. I continued to apply it for about one week. However, after three weeks, the rash reappeared. I have repeated this about five times. Then I decided to see a doctor, who diagnosed it as a fungal infection and prescribed me Miconazole cream 2 %. It has been about two weeks, and there does not seem to be a significant improvement in my rash. It is getting very itchy nowadays. How long would it take for the antifungal cream to show its effect? Should I consult the doctor again?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and it looks like Tinea incognito, a fungal infection caused by steroid (Hydrocortisone) cream application. I suggest you stop using Hydrocortisone cream because it is a steroid. When steroid is used for fungal infection, it makes the infection resistant to treatment and leads to the spread of infection. Temporarily you may feel better with Hydrocortisone, as it decreases the itching but would never cure the infection. It would take around four to six weeks to clear the infection. I suggest you follow the skin care tips mentioned below. Wear dry loose cotton clothes, and try to find undergarments that are 100 % pure cotton. Make use of fans or air conditioners at night to keep the affected part well-ventilated. Take a bath twice daily. Always use lukewarm water. Avoid using very hot water to take a bath. Hot water favors fungal growth in the body. Wash the affected parts with cold water once you are done taking a bath. Always use a fresh dry towel to wipe off water from the body. Make sure the skin folds are totally dry before wearing clothes. Use antifungal dusting powders for your skin folds, such as underarms, thigh folds, breasts, and between the toes. Wash your clothes, towel, and bedspread using hot water and dry them in good sunlight. Eat healthy food, and keep your body weight ideal for your height because being overweight and having poor nourishment leads to reduced immunity which increases the chances of getting a fungal infection. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar level frequently and make sure your blood sugars are within the normal range because uncontrolled blood sugar is a risk factor for fungal infection. Ask if any of your family members have a similar fungal infection. If so, encourage them to take treatment. Check your pet for rashes. If there are any, take them to a veterinary doctor for treatment. Dogs and cats are also sources of infection. Always complete the full course of medications prescribed by your dermatologist. Incomplete treatment results in the recurrence of fungal infection, which is more resistant to treatment. Do not scratch. Scratching makes the rash worse. Ask your dermatologist for anti-itching medicine. Do not wear synthetic clothes or tight-fitting jeans which do not allow air to flow through them, and do not wear wet inner clothes. Do not wear inner wears while at home. Allow air to flow freely through the affected part. Do not share your personal items such as clothes, towels, soap, or comb with your family members or friends. Do not use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for ringworm. Most of these OTC creams contain steroids, which give faster relief from itching, but they make the ringworm spread to larger areas and also make the routine treatment insufficient. Do not use home remedies such as garlic paste to get rid of ringworm, as this would burn your skin and may leave a permanent scar.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy
Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Venereology

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