- Miconazole nitrate cream kills fungi by causing small perforations in their cell membranes. If the cell membranes are damaged, the material on the inside of the cell leaks out and foreign matter can enter the cell, which kills the fungi and inhibits their reproduction. Most over-the-counter miconazole nitrate creams contain 2 percent of the active ingredient mixed with other inactive ingredients or topical itch relievers.
- For vaginal yeast infections, miconazole cream is sold in suppository or topical cream form and often in combination packs. The suppositories should be inserted into the vagina at bedtime once a day until all the suppositories are finished. Apply a pea-sized amount of the cream externally to the vulva and irritated skin around the vagina twice a day until the cream is gone. Treatment should continue even if the symptoms seem to have disappeared. While treating a yeast infection, do not use tampons or wear tight or synthetic clothing, and avoid vaginal sex.
- Apply a thin layer of miconazole nitrate directly to the affected area once in the morning and once at night until the infection disappears. If the infection lasts longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor about using an oral anti-fungal medication. Keep your feet or groin as clean and dry as possible by carefully drying between toes after bathing, wearing loose clothing and applying a talcum powder to the area if you're going to sweat. Do not walk around barefoot and avoid sharing towels and other clothing to prevent spreading the infection to others.
- Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and not a worm, but the infection appears as round, itchy patches on the skin that look like little worms. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the patches, both on the reddened area and around it, twice a day in the morning and evening. As with athlete's foot and jock itch, keep your skin as clean and dry as possible, and wash infected bedding, linens and clothing often to prevent further spread of the disease. If over-the-counter miconazole nitrate doesn't clear up the infection within three weeks, talk to your doctor about using a stronger cream or oral medication.
