Loprox Description

Loprox is a prescription strength topical medicine for treating minor yeast and fungal infections of your skin, including ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and pityriasis (also known as tinea versicolor) which is a fungal infection that causes a change in the color of the skin on your neck, chest, arms, or legs. Ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are contagious and can be passed on through skin to skin contact, sharing towels, bedding, and so on.

Pityriasis is not contagious, just itchy and irritating. Many people prefer the cream formulation of Loprox for it’s easy distribution and fast absorption, while men might like how effective Loprox lotion is for treating fungus in hairy areas, like the chest, arms, or legs.

How Loprox Works

Once you decide on whether Loprox Lotion or Loprox Cream suits your needs, apply Loprox to the affected area as directed by your doctor. The active ingredient, called Ciclopirox, is absorbed into your skin cells and is believed to work by interfering with certain essential enzymes the fungus needs to ensure the fungal membranes will not leak their contents. The fungus’ ability to repair genetic material is also affected by Loprox leaving the fungus unable to grow or reproduce.

Conditions Treated by Loprox

As nightmarish as this may be, our bodies are home to bacteria and fungus. This is a natural occurrence and there is not usually a problem. But, if there is a change in our body then an increase in the amount of yeast we live with can cause tinea versicolor (pityriasis). Having oily skin, hot and humid weather, hormonal changes, or a weak immune system can trigger pityriasis. There will be patches of skin discoloration on your chest, neck, upper arms, or back that is itchy but not painful. This fungal infection is more likely to affect teens and young adults.

Before Loprox Lotion or Cream is Prescribed to You

Lotions are easily applied to hairy areas of skin, especially for men (legs, forearms, back) while Creams are also easy to apply and are absorbed quickly when applied to less hairy areas of skin. Ask your doctor about any risks to using Loprox topically while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. To determine if Loprox is safe for you to apply, discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx meds you use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Loprox Precautions and Proper Use

Store Loprox and other medications out of children’s reach and never share these products with anyone else. Do not use Loprox in or on your vagina or eyes. Ask your doctor before covering the treated area as this may cause an increase in your risk of side effects. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Loprox, especially when treating a contagious form of a fungal infection.

Possible Side Effects of Loprox

• Redness
• Mild burning
• Increased itchiness

Drugs Similar to Loprox

• Mycelex
• Econazole
• Oxistat Cream