If you are currently dealing with a fungal infection, you will be happy to learn that you may be able to avoid a trip to the doctor with the use of an antifungal soap. They are available over the counter and are specially formulated to treat fungal infections either through the use of natural ingredients or medications.

Your best bet to rid yourself of that irritating infection is to treat it quickly with an antifungal soap like Purely Northwest Tea Tree Body Wash. This one in particular has proven to be highly effective for many people because it blends seven types of essential oils. It is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, too.

If you aren’t sure what kind of fungal infection you are dealing with or have questions about using an antifungal soap, keep reading.

What to know before you buy antifungal soap

Most common types of fungal infections

There are countless types of fungal infections, but a select few are most prevalent. This can often make it easy to determine what kind you are dealing with, which is important, as not all respond to the same medication.

One of the most common and most contagious fungal infections is ringworm. It can affect the skin nearly anywhere on the body, is easily transferred from person to person and can usually be diagnosed on sight by its notable ring-shaped rash.

Athlete’s foot is another commonly seen fungal infection and despite the name, it doesn’t only affect athletes. It causes cracking, itching and burning between the toes and on the soles and can make the skin look inflamed and scaly. Jock itch is a fungal infection in the groin area and causes the same symptoms as athlete’s foot.

Yeast infections tend to occur in the genital area and, while most often seen in women, can happen to men too. They are caused by a pH imbalance and are characterized by itching, discomfort and sometimes a strong odor or discharge.

Severity

OTC antifungal soaps are best used when an infection is still mild and in the beginning stages. The longer a fungal infection has taken hold, the harder it will be to treat and the more likely it will require strong prescription medication. This means you should start treating your fungal infection as soon as you notice symptoms. If your infection doesn’t show improvement or continues to get worse while using an antifungal soap, seek help from a doctor.

Skin type

As with any other soap, certain antifungal soaps are better for some types of skin than others. Those with dry skin should look for an antifungal soap that has moisturizing ingredients, while those with oily skin or acne may want to choose a noncomedogenic soap.

Antifungal soap features

Active ingredients

As touched on previously, not all fungi respond to the same types of medications. Tinea, which is the fungus that causes ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch responds better to ketoconazole and miconazole. Conversely, candidiasis, which is the fungus responsible for yeast infections, tends to respond faster to clotrimazole.

Natural antifungal soaps most often contain tea tree oil, as it has shown to be highly effective against a broad range of fungi and infections. They may also contain oregano, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and other essential oils.

Fragrance

Both medications and natural ingredients used to treat fungus infections tend to have strong smells. For some people, this may not be an issue, however those sensitive to smells should read reviews of any antifungal soap they are considering. These will be your best source to gauge how powerful of an odor a soap has before actually buying and using it yourself.

Solid vs. liquid

Antifungal soaps are available in both solid and liquid forms. Neither is more effective than the other, so feel free to choose whichever form you prefer.

Antifungal soap cost

While more expensive than your average bar or bottle of soap, most antifungal soaps are still reasonably priced. Liquid soaps in natural and medicated options tend to cost $1 to $2 per ounce, while bars are usually between $5 and $15.

Antifungal soap FAQ

What types of infections do antifungal soaps work for?

A. Antifungal soaps are best used for mild infections. If you have a severe infection, it is recommended to speak with a doctor, as you may need a prescription medicine that is stronger than over-the-counter antifungal soaps.

Is it safe to use an antifungal soap on a child?

A. While antifungal soaps are most likely safe for children, you should always speak with a doctor before doing so.

How long do I have to use an antifungal soap?

A. The length of time needed to use an antifungal soap depends on how bad your infection is. Some infections may clear up in as little as a week, while others can take several months. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for frequency of application, and always continue using the soap until your infection is fully cleared up, otherwise it may return.

Which antifungal soap should I get?

Best of the best antifungal soap

Purely Northwest Tea Tree Body Wash: available at Amazon

Our take: This is a gentle soap that can be used daily yet is effective on a variety of skin conditions.

What we like: Its antifungal properties come from natural ingredients like rosemary, eucalyptus and tea tree oil.

What we dislike: The fragrance can be overpowering to some.

Best bang for your buck antifungal soap

Defense Soap Bar: available at Amazon

Our take: A popular choice among wrestlers and MMA fighters, Defense works into a thick lather and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.

What we like: Most people see noticeable improvements quickly after they start using it, and the scent is pleasant without being too strong,

What we dislike: It doesn’t work on all skin conditions.

Honorable mention antifungal soap

Hibiclens Antimicrobial/Antiseptic Skin Cleanser: available at Amazon

Our take: Both an antifungal and antibacterial soap, this cleanser helps with a wider range of skin conditions than many others.

What we like: It’s extremely effective and continues to work for up to 24 hours after application.

What we dislike: The dark red color can stain fabrics and porous hard surfaces.

Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.