What is Lamisil 1% Cream?

Lamisil 1% cream is a prescription antifungal medicine for skin infections caused by fungi. The active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride, which kills fungi by damaging their cell walls.
It helps clear infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch, while easing symptoms like redness, peeling, and itching.

What is Lamisil 1% Cream Used For?

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Itchy, cracked, or peeling skin between the toes or on the feet.
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris): Red, itchy rash in the groin or inner thighs.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Circular, red, scaly patches on arms, legs, or body.
Other Skin Infections: Yeast infections of the skin (Candida) and pityriasis versicolor.

How Does Lamisil 1% Cream Work?

Terbinafine blocks an enzyme fungi need to make ergosterol, a vital part of their cell membrane.
Without ergosterol, the fungal cells weaken and die.
This makes Lamisil fungicidal (kills fungi), not just fungistatic (slows growth).

When Should I Use Lamisil 1% Cream?

Use it if you have signs of a fungal skin infection — itching, redness, peeling, ring-shaped rash, or irritation in warm, moist areas like feet or groin.
If symptoms don’t start to improve after 1–2 weeks, or if they worsen, arrange a GP appointment or seek advice via telehealth.

Who Should Use It?

Adults aged 18 years and over with fungal skin infections suitable for topical treatment.

Who Should Not Use It?

People allergic to terbinafine or any ingredients in the cream.
On broken, raw, or ulcerated skin, unless a clinician says otherwise.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless a doctor recommends it.
For fungal nail infections — this cream won’t work on nails.
Avoid using near the eyes, mouth, or face without medical advice.

Can I Get Lamisil 1% Cream Over the Counter?

Lamisil is available from most pharmacies as a pharmacy only medicine. 

Alternative Treatments

Clotrimazole cream (available over the counter)
Miconazole cream (e.g. Daktarin)
Ketoconazole cream or shampoo
Oral antifungal tablets for more severe or nail infections

How to Use Lamisil 1% Cream:

Wash and dry the affected skin thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer over the rash and a small border of surrounding skin.
Rub it in gently until absorbed.
Use once daily for most infections. Sometimes a doctor may advise twice daily.
Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm usually need about 1 week of treatment.
Keep going for the full course, even if the rash looks better early.

If you see no improvement after 1 week, contact your GP or pharmacist.

Active ingredient: Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w

Other ingredients: Sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, isopropyl myristate, purified water

Always check the patient information leaflet in your pack for the full ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.

Mild and common side effects:

Redness, itching, irritation, or burning at the site of application
Peeling or dryness of skin

Less common but possible:

Rash, blistering, or swelling
Rarely, a change in skin colour in the treated area

Serious but rare:

Signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat, difficulty breathing. This needs emergency help — call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

For less urgent concerns, contact your GP or pharmacist. You can also call NHS 111 for advice