Skin and fungal infections
These instructions are intended for the practical use of Smrekovit products for skin problems and fungal infections. They cover fungal infections between the toes, on the skin and nails, eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, itching, dry and cracked skin, allergic skin changes, warts and corns.
For most skin problems, the first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima. For hard and cracked skin, especially on the heels, based on our practical experience, Smrekovit Klasik often works better.
For skin problems, we use a very practical criterion: if at least a small positive change appears within a few days, we continue using the product; if there is no change at all after 3–7 days, continuing usually does not make much sense for most skin problems. The main exception is fungal nail infections, where progress is assessed differently because of the slow growth of the nail.
For fungal infections between the toes, on the skin and nails, based on our many years of practical experience, we have some of the most predictable results within the entire group of skin problems. With eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic skin changes, the response is considerably more individual.
For a more detailed explanation of how to recognise fungal nail changes, how they progress and the slow growth of a healthy nail, also read the article Fungal nail infections: how to recognise them and what you can do.
If the skin change is no longer only superficial, but the skin is open or a wound has developed, follow the practical instructions for wounds and healing.
Skin and fungal infections – at a glance
- For most skin problems, the first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima, applied directly to the affected skin.
- For eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, itching and allergic skin changes, assess the effect after approximately 3–7 days. If there is no positive change at all, continuing usually does not make much sense.
- If itching, redness or flaking decrease or the skin looks better, continue using the product and monitor further progress.
- For fungal infections between the toes and on the skin, based on our practical experience, the results are very predictable; the first clear change is often visible within just 3–4 days.
- For fungal nail infections, apply Smrekovit 365 Prima over the nail, along the edges and at the nail root, and cover the nail with medical tape. The first sign of success is healthy nail beginning to grow from the nail root.
- For fungal nail infections, regularly disinfect scissors, files and other tools and continue using the product until the healthy nail has grown beyond the damaged part.
- For hard and cracked skin, especially on the heels, based on our experience, Smrekovit Klasik often works better.
- For warts, assess the change after approximately 14 days, and for corns after approximately one week.
- Candidiasis is an exception – particularly for vaginal and penile candidiasis, our experience with Smrekovit is less predictable. See also more detailed information about Candida.
- If the skin opens and a wound develops, switch to the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
General instructions for skin problems and fungal infections
For most skin problems, our practical approach is simple: we choose the appropriate Smrekovit product, apply it regularly to the affected area and monitor during the first few days whether the skin begins to improve.
For most skin problems, the first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima. For markedly hard and cracked skin, especially on the heels, based on our experience, Smrekovit Klasik often works better.
If you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, a possible alternative is Smrekovit 365 Alter, which contains Boswellia resin instead of spruce resin.
First, we want to know how long the problem has been present
With skin problems, we often first ask the user how long the change has already been present. A long-lasting, recurrent skin change may respond differently from a problem that appeared only a few days ago.
An exact diagnosis is of course useful, but for an initial practical trial of Smrekovit it is often not decisive. For eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic or unexplained skin changes, we use a similar basic approach: 365 Prima and monitoring the skin response.
The practical 3–7 day rule
For most skin problems, we recommend assessing the effect after approximately 3–7 days of regular use.
We consider even the following to be a positive change:
- less itching,
- less redness,
- less flaking,
- or generally better appearance and feel of the skin.
If there is at least a small positive change after a few days, continue using the product and monitor progress. We usually reassess the condition again by approximately day 14.
If, however, there is no change at all after 3–7 days, based on our practical experience, continuing usually does not make sense for most skin problems.
Fungal infections are an important exception
For fungal infections between the toes and other fungal skin infections, based on our experience, the results are generally faster and more predictable than with eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. A clear change is often visible within just a few days.
For fungal nail infections, however, we do not assess the result by whether the old damaged part of the nail quickly looks better. The first important sign is a healthy nail beginning to grow from the nail root. Because nails grow slowly, considerably more patience is required with this type of use. This is described in more detail in the section on fungal nail infections and in the article Fungal nail infections: how to recognise them and what you can do.
Regular use is more important than a thick layer
For skin problems, apply the product directly to the entire affected area. There is no need to apply a very thick layer; regular use and monitoring the skin response are more important.
If the affected area spreads, apply the product to the newly affected skin as well.
If the skin becomes an open wound
If an open wound develops because of cracks, scratching or another cause, the care method is different. In this case, read the practical instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
When does a medical examination make sense?
An examination is particularly appropriate if the diagnosis is unclear, the skin change spreads rapidly or worsens significantly, or stronger pain, pus, fever or other signs appear that do not correspond to a typical superficial skin problem.
Eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
For eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima. Apply the cream directly to the entire affected area of skin and repeat the application regularly.
Responses to these problems vary considerably between users. Smrekovit works very well for some users, while others do not experience a significant effect even with longer use. We therefore mainly recommend a short practical trial and early assessment of the response.
Assess the effect after 3–7 days
During the first few days, monitor mainly whether any of the following changes occur:
- less itching,
- less redness,
- less flaking,
- generally better appearance or feel of the skin.
Even a small positive change is a reason to continue. If the condition is improving, continue with regular use and reassess it by approximately day 14.
If, however, there is no change at all after approximately 3–7 days, based on our practical experience, continuing for a long time generally does not make sense.
With psoriasis, differences between users are particularly large
Our practical experience with psoriasis varies greatly. In some users, itching, redness and flaking decrease markedly, while others show no significant response. We therefore use the same practical rule for psoriasis: try it for a few days and continue only if the condition is moving in the right direction.
If the skin opens due to scratching
If the skin is only irritated, dry or flaky, continue using Smrekovit 365 Prima. If, however, scratching, cracks or another cause result in a true open wound, adjust the method of care and read the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
If the changes spread rapidly, the condition worsens significantly, signs of infection develop or the diagnosis is not clear at all, a medical examination is appropriate.
Dry and cracked skin
For dry, hard and cracked skin, based on our practical experience, we generally achieve good results. The choice of product depends somewhat on the location and nature of the problem.
Cracked heels and hard skin on the feet
Based on our practical experience, cracked heels are one of the uses where Smrekovit tends to give particularly good results. For hard, thickened and cracked skin on the heels, we primarily recommend Smrekovit Klasik.
Apply the ointment directly to the entire area of hard or cracked skin and repeat the application regularly. Because Klasik is greasier and absorbs more slowly, it is often more practical than a cream for this type of skin.
Monitor progress mainly by whether the skin becomes softer, less dry and whether the cracks gradually become smaller.
Dry and cracked skin on the hands
For dry and cracked skin on the hands, you can generally start with Smrekovit 365 Prima, which absorbs quickly and is therefore practical for use during the day as well.
Based on our experience, most forms of dry and cracked skin on the hands respond well. However, there are also certain winter forms of flaking and cracking skin where the results are not always good. The basic rule therefore also applies here: if improvement appears within a few days, continue using the product; if there is no change, it does not make sense to persist simply because the problem is dry skin.
If a crack becomes an open wound
A deeper crack may start to bleed or develop into a true open wound. At that point, we no longer treat it simply as dry skin. For the open area, we recommend Smrekovit Klasik and following the practical instructions for wound care.
Itching of the skin
With itching, the response to Smrekovit depends strongly on the cause of the itching. Itching can accompany eczema, atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin change, dry skin, a fungal infection or a completely different problem, so the result is not the same for every user.
As a first choice, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima. Apply the cream directly to the entire itchy or affected area of skin.
If you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, you can use Smrekovit 365 Alter instead.
Assess the effect within 3–7 days
The most important criterion is very simple: is the itching decreasing. If after a few days you notice less itching, continue using the product and also monitor any reduction in redness, flaking or other skin changes.
If there is no change at all after approximately 3–7 days of regular use, based on our practical experience, continuing generally does not make sense. At that point, it is especially important to reconsider the possible cause of the itching.
If there is also a visible skin change
If the itching is accompanied by characteristic changes of eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, also see the instructions for eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
If scratching causes the skin to open and a wound develops, follow the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
If the itching is very pronounced, spreads rapidly, has no clear skin-related cause, or is accompanied by other unusual problems, a medical examination is appropriate.
Fungal infections between the toes and other fungal skin infections
Based on our practical experience, fungal infections between the toes and many other fungal skin changes are among the most predictable uses of Smrekovit for skin problems.
The first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima. Apply the cream directly to the entire affected area of skin.
Fungal infections between the toes
For fungal infections between the toes, based on our many years of practical experience, the results are generally very good. If the skin responds to Smrekovit, a clear change is often visible within approximately 3–4 days.
Monitor mainly for reduced itching, redness and flaking, as well as an overall improvement in the appearance of the skin. If the affected area extends beyond the space between the toes, apply the product to the entire visibly affected area.
Other fungal skin infections
With fungal infections on other parts of the skin, we often see a similar response to that seen with fungal infections of the feet. Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima directly to the affected skin and assess the condition after approximately 3–7 days.
If a clear positive change appears during this time, continue using the product. If there is no response at all, it makes sense to reconsider whether the skin change is actually fungal in origin or whether it is another skin problem.
Fungal nail infections require a different approach
If the nail is also affected, applying the product only to the skin is not enough. For fungal nail infections, we use a specific method of application over the nail, along the edges and at the nail root, and mainly monitor the growth of healthy nail. See the instructions for fungal nail infections.
If the skin opens due to cracks or scratching and a wound develops, follow the instructions for wounds, skin injuries and healing.
Fungal nail infections
Based on our practical experience, fungal nail infections are among the most predictable uses of Smrekovit for skin problems. However, they require more persistence than fungal skin infections, as the damaged part of the nail must gradually be replaced by new, healthy nail growth.
We recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima.
How to use?
- After showering or washing, dry the nail thoroughly.
- Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima over the entire surface of the nail, along the edges and at the nail root.
- Then cover the nail with white medical tape or micropore tape so that the product remains in place for as long as possible.
- Repeat the procedure once a day, preferably after showering. This application usually lasts until the next shower.
Look for the first sign of success at the nail root
With fungal nail infections, do not expect the old yellowish, whitish or cloudy part of the nail to look normal within a few days. The first important sign of success is healthy nail beginning to grow from the nail root.
Once you notice healthy, more transparent nail at the root, it is important to continue using the product until the new healthy nail has completely grown beyond the affected part.
Why does treatment take several months?
Toenails grow slowly, approximately 1.5 mm per month. Therefore, the time required for the nail to regain a completely healthy appearance depends mainly on how much of the nail plate is affected.
If only a small part is affected, the process may be relatively short. If almost the entire nail is affected, it may take several months before the new nail plate completely replaces it.
Therefore, do not use the old damaged part of the nail as the main measure of success. What matters most is what is growing from the nail root.
Disinfect scissors and files
Users very often forget this. During use, regularly disinfect scissors, files and other tools used for the affected nail.
If possible, do not use tools used on the affected nail on healthy nails without disinfecting them first.
The most common mistake is stopping too early
Once healthy nail begins to grow from the root, the problem is not yet resolved. Continue using the product until the healthy nail has completely grown beyond the affected part. Based on our experience, stopping too early is one of the most common reasons for failure.
Read more about recognising fungal nail changes, nail growth rate and the course of use in the article Fungal nail infections: how to recognise them and what you can do.
If you are not sure whether the change is truly fungal, several nails are affected, the condition worsens rapidly, or pain or inflammation around the nail is present, we recommend professional assessment.
Candidiasis and fungal changes in skin folds
Although we generally have very good practical experience with Smrekovit for fungal infections between the toes, on the skin and nails, candidiasis is an important exception.
Vaginal candidiasis
For vaginal candidiasis, based on our practical experience, Smrekovit is not among our first choices. In practice, Canesten has generally worked better for this problem.
Therefore, simply because it is a fungal problem, we do not automatically recommend the same approach as for fungal infections of the feet or nails.
Read more about our practical experience and the specific aspects of this problem in the article Candida.
Penile candidiasis
The same applies to penile candidiasis. Here too, based on our practical experience, we have better results with Canesten than with Smrekovit, so Smrekovit is not our first choice.
Fungal changes in skin folds
For changes in moist skin folds, for example under the breasts, the results with Smrekovit are less reliable than for fungal infections between the toes, on other areas of skin or on the nails.
You can try Smrekovit 365 Prima, but we recommend the same pragmatic approach as for other less predictable skin problems: monitor the response for a few days. If the condition improves, continue using it; if there is no change, there is no point in persisting.
If you are not sure whether it is candidiasis, another fungal change or a completely different skin problem, it makes sense to verify the diagnosis.
Warts
For warts, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima.
How to use?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima directly to the wart and then cover it with medical tape or a plaster so that the product remains in contact with the affected area for as long as possible.
Repeat the application regularly and monitor mainly the shape and height of the wart in relation to the surrounding skin.
What is the first sign that the wart is responding?
Based on our practical experience, the first good sign is mainly that the wart begins to flatten towards the level of the skin. It does not necessarily disappear immediately; what matters is that its appearance or prominence gradually begins to change.
Assess the effect after approximately 14 days
With warts, it makes sense to wait somewhat longer than with most other skin problems. Make the first proper assessment after approximately 14 days of regular use.
If a change is noticeable during this time, continue using the product. Based on our experience, some warts disappear relatively quickly, while others require considerably more time.
If there is no noticeable change at all after approximately 14 days, continuing usually does not make sense.
If you are not sure whether the skin change is actually a wart, it changes rapidly, bleeds without a clear reason or has an unusual appearance, we recommend professional assessment.
Corns
For corns, based on our practical experience, the results are quite variable. Some users respond well, while others do not experience a significant effect.
You can use Smrekovit Klasik or Smrekovit 365 Prima.
How to use?
Apply the product to a small cotton pad and secure it directly over the corn so that the affected area remains in contact with the product for as long as possible.
Repeat the application regularly and monitor mainly whether the corn begins to soften, become smaller or less bothersome.
Assess the effect after approximately one week
For corns, we recommend making the first proper assessment after approximately one week of regular use.
If a positive change is noticeable during this time, continue using the product. If, however, there is no difference at all after approximately one week, based on our practical experience, continuing usually does not make sense.
If you are not sure whether it is a corn or a wart, also compare the instructions for warts or have the diagnosis checked if necessary.
Allergic skin changes
Based on our practical experience, the results with Smrekovit for allergic skin changes are quite unpredictable. It works very well for some users, while others do not experience any significant effect.
As a first choice, you can try Smrekovit 365 Prima. Apply the cream directly to the affected area of skin and monitor the response.
Try it for a few days and assess the response
Here too, we use the basic practical rule for skin problems: assess the effect after approximately 3–7 days.
If itching, redness or other skin changes decrease, continue using the product. If there is no positive change at all after a few days, based on our experience, continuing usually does not make sense.
If the allergic skin change is accompanied mainly by pronounced itching, also read the instructions for itching. If the change resembles eczema or is flaky and recurrent, also see the instructions for eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
An allergic skin change is not the same as sensitivity to spruce resin
If a skin reaction occurs specifically after applying a product containing spruce resin and becomes more pronounced with continued use, stop using the product. For users who do not tolerate spruce resin, we have Smrekovit 365 Alter with Boswellia resin as an alternative.
If the change spreads rapidly, is pronounced or the cause is unclear, we recommend a medical assessment.
Most common mistakes during use
With skin problems, knowing when to continue and when to stop is often just as important as choosing the right product. Based on our practical experience, the following mistakes occur most often with individual problems.
With fungal nail infections, users stop too soon
When healthy nail begins to grow from the nail root, this is a good sign, but treatment is not yet complete. Use should continue until the healthy nail has completely grown beyond the affected part.
Another common mistake is that users do not disinfect scissors, files and other tools. The procedure is described in more detail in the instructions for fungal nail infections.
With eczema and psoriasis, users continue for too long without any effect
With eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, there is no point in using Smrekovit for several months if the skin does not respond at all.
Based on our practical experience, it makes sense to assess success after approximately 3–7 days. If there is at least a small positive change, continue. If there is no change at all, longer use generally does not produce a different result.
With warts, the mistake can be either stopping too soon or continuing for too long
With warts, a few days are often too short for a fair assessment. We recommend making the first proper assessment after approximately 14 days.
On the other hand, there is also no point in continuing for several months if the wart does not begin to change at all or flatten towards the level of the skin during that time.
Do not use the same time frame for every problem
For most skin problems, the 3–7 day rule is useful, but there are important exceptions:
- fungal skin infections: a change is often visible within just a few days,
- fungal nail infections: the result is assessed by the growth of new healthy nail, so use takes considerably longer,
- warts: wait approximately 14 days for the first assessment,
- corns: assess the difference after approximately one week.
The main practical rule is therefore simple: if the problem begins to improve within the expected time, continue; if there is no response at all, reconsider the approach or the cause of the problem.
About these instructions
These instructions are based primarily on many years of practical experience using Smrekovit products, user feedback and knowledge gained through the development and use of the products.
Where we describe specific methods of use, product selection, the expected course or other practical details, these are based primarily on our practical experience. This is not equivalent to the results of clinical research and does not guarantee that every user will respond in the same way.
Where necessary, we verify and supplement general information about individual problems using professional sources. Where these are important for understanding the content, we cite them on the page.
We regularly supplement and update the instructions based on new experience, user feedback and available professional knowledge.