Laurimic cream is a topical antifungal used to treat various skin conditions caused by fungi. Laurimic also comes in the form of vaginal ovules. The active compound of this drug is fenticonazole nitrate, and according to the Anatomical, Therapeutic, Chemical Classification, it is among the drugs derived from imidazole.
In its topical presentation, Laurimic comes in the form of a homogeneous ivory-white cream that, in addition to fenticonazole, contains lanolin, propylene glycol, and cetyl alcohol, among others, as excipients. This cream is not greasy, does not stain, and is easy to remove with water, nor requires special conditions for its conservation.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain what Laurimic cream is for and how to apply it.
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What is laurimic cream used for?
Different fungi can infect the skin, nails, mouth, or genital area. These fungal infections are pretty common and generally not severe, as they respond well to antifungal treatments. It is infrequent for the infection to progress to the internal organs unless it is an immunocompromised person. Still, when this occurs, it can seriously affect the individual since it could damage the heart, lungs, brain, or other vital organs.
The pharmaceutical industry has developed a wide variety of drugs that eliminate fungi in different presentations, such as creams, ovules, sprays, shampoos, solutions, tablets, and injections to treat mycoses. Depending on the diseased area, the degree of affectation, and the type of fungus, a particular type of antifungal is used for a specific time.
In the case of Laurimic cream, it is used to treat adults and children who suffer from certain infections caused by some species of fungi and bacteria, such as those detailed below:
- Dermatomycosis is due to dermatophytes, fungi that show an affinity for keratin and consequently can infect the skin, nails, and hair of humans and other animals. Depending on the area they affect, they have different names: tinea capitis (scalp), tinea corporis (body), tinea cruris (groin and perianal area), tinea pedis (feet and toes), tinea manuum (hands), ringworm facial (face), tinea barbae (beard) and tinea unguium (nails).
- Dermal candidiasis is produced by yeasts of the genus Candida, which also infects different body parts (intertrigo, perleche, facial candidiasis, balanitis, balanoposthitis, onychia, and paronychia). Otomycosis, only in cases where there has been no eardrum perforation. Vulvitis
- Pityriasis Versicolor or tinea versicolor is produced by yeasts of the genus Malassezia (formerly called Pityrosporum ). This fungus is usually present on the skin, but under certain conditions of humidity and heat, it can reproduce more than necessary and generate a rash. In addition, it affects the distribution of melanin in the skin, which is why it is characterized by producing whitish spots and dark spots in the affected areas.
- Erythrasma is produced by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum. This infection is chronic and produces initially reddish spots that evolve to brown, with well-defined edges.
- Infections are due to gram-positive bacteria that qualify as mycosis.
How Laurimic cream works
The active component of Laurimic cream is fenticonazole , an antifungal derived from imidazole. Its mechanism of action consists of modifying the composition of the cell membrane of fungi, altering its permeability by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential element of said membrane. Once fenticonazole acts, the fungus cell membrane will not allow the exit of its infectious enzymes to the skin, which will accumulate inside the fungus until producing necrosis of these cells.
Laurimic cream is a topical antifungal with a broad spectrum of action that includes, as detailed above, fungistatic (inhibits the growth of fungi) and fungicidal (kills fungi) activity against dermatophytes and yeasts and, in addition, acts as an antibacterial agent on many gram-positive bacteria.
Studies on the action of fenticonazole have shown that the absorption of this drug from the topical application is negligible and that it only acts locally. Its action does not affect the functioning of the male or female gonads. Like other imidazole derivatives, it has an embryotoxic effect in high doses. The studies carried out were not teratogenic in either rats or rabbits, and it was not mutagenic either.
Laurimic cream: application
Laurimic cream is a widely used antifungal. It is used to treat skin lesions caused by some fungi and some bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antifungal, and it is recommended to use it on the affected area and even cover up to about 1 cm of the healthy skin surrounding the lesion. This application must be accompanied by strict hygiene of the area and the use of fresh clothing to minimize humidity and heat, conditions that benefit the reproduction of the fungus.
Its use is recommended for 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the pathogen and the evolution of each patient, it should be used until the lesions disappear. In cases of athlete’s foot, it should continue to be used, even 1 or 2 weeks after the lesions disappear. Injuries.
It is imperative to strictly comply with the treatment indicated by the doctor, not skip any application and complete the indicated days to prevent the fungus from reinfecting the area. Laurimic cream should be applied to the affected area once or twice a day, massaging the area to facilitate the penetration of the drug. This is done after cleaning and drying the skin thoroughly.
Adverse effects and contraindications of Laurimic cream
Laurimic cream is generally well tolerated by the skin. Sometimes, it can produce itching or burning reaction when administered, a sensation that disappears moments later. If sensitivity to Fenticonazole has been experienced before, the drug should not be used and if, when using it for the first time, you notice some sensitivity, discontinue the application and immediately consult your doctor. In addition, regarding the sensitivity to the active agent, it is essential to consider possible allergic reactions to the excipients of the cream. Do not hesitate to read the leaflet on the medicine and check if you are allergic to any of its components.
It is important to remember that Laurimic cream is only for topical use. For other areas of the body, there are other antifungal presentations. For this reason, it should not come into contact with the eyes or mouth. In case it happens, wash well with plenty of water.
On the other hand, research does not offer data on fenticonazole in pregnant women or during the lactation period. Hence, its use is not advisable, except under strict medical supervision. There are also no studies that demonstrate its effect on human fertility.
If you have any doubts and before starting any treatment, consult your doctor, who is the most suitable to clarify your doubts.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.