What medication should be used for itchy skin and rashes?
Nov 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Commonly used medications for skin itching and fungal infections include compound ketoconazole ointment, terbinafine cream, bifonazole cream, miconazole cream, and itraconazole. Compound ketoconazole ointment has both antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively killing the fungi that cause fungal infections while also reducing skin redness, swelling, and itching resulting from the infection. It is particularly suitable for fungal skin infections accompanied by mild inflammation.
Generally, common medications used for itchy skin and fungal infections (tinea) include compound ketoconazole ointment, terbinafine cream, bifonazole cream, miconazole cream, and itraconazole. Specific details are as follows:
1. Compound Ketoconazole Ointment: This medication has both antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It not only kills the fungi causing tinea but also reduces skin redness and itching resulting from fungal infection. It is suitable for tinea accompanied by mild inflammation. Care should be taken to avoid long-term and extensive application.
2. Terbinafine Cream: A broad-spectrum antifungal agent that rapidly penetrates the skin and inhibits fungal cell membrane synthesis, effectively killing fungi and relieving itching and eliminating fungal lesions. It is suitable for various types of tinea such as tinea manuum (hand fungus), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and tinea corporis (ringworm). It acts quickly and provides stable results.
3. Bifonazole Cream: With a broad antimicrobial spectrum, it effectively inhibits many common dermatophytes. After application, it forms a persistent medicinal layer on the skin surface, continuously suppressing fungal growth and reducing recurrence. It is suitable for both treatment and prevention of tinea, especially for recurrent cases.
4. Miconazole Cream: Acts directly on infected areas to inhibit fungal growth and reproduction, alleviating itching and symptoms of tinea. Suitable for mild to moderate tinea infections such as tinea corporis and tinea cruris (jock itch). It should be applied according to the prescribed course to prevent symptom recurrence.
5. Itraconazole: Used under medical supervision when tinea covers a large area, topical treatments are ineffective, or the infection is severe. Systemic administration helps eliminate fungi throughout the body. Regular follow-up examinations are required during treatment to monitor bodily responses.
Before applying medication, clean the skin and ensure it is dry. Strictly follow the instructions in the product leaflet or doctor’s advice—do not adjust dosage or discontinue use without guidance. Avoid scratching the affected area during treatment to prevent spreading the infection.
