Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which OTC cream is specifically used to treat athlete's foot?

1. Lamisil

2. Fleet

3. Aloe vera

4. Cortizone-10

The correct answer is: Lamisil

Lamisil is specifically formulated to treat athlete's foot, which is a common fungal infection of the skin. The active ingredient in Lamisil is terbinafine, an antifungal agent known for its effectiveness against the fungi that cause athlete's foot, as well as other fungal skin infections. When applied topically, terbinafine works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, ultimately leading to the death of the fungus and alleviating the symptoms associated with the infection, such as itching, burning, and inflammation. On the other hand, Fleet is primarily a saline laxative used to relieve constipation and does not address fungal infections. Aloe vera is often utilized for its soothing properties and can be beneficial for skin hydration and minor burns, but it lacks antifungal properties necessary for treating athlete's foot. Cortizone-10 contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and irritation but is not an antifungal medication, making it unsuitable for treating the underlying cause of athlete's foot.