Tolnaftate is primarily used as an antifungal agent in topical medications. It is effective against a variety of fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It works by inhibiting fungal growth, specifically interfering with fungal cell membrane synthesis, which leads to the death of the organism. Tolnaftate is commonly found in over-the-counter creams, powders, sprays, and solutions. It is not used for systemic fungal infections and is generally applied twice daily for several weeks depending on the infection site. Due to its low absorption through the skin, it is considered safe for external use with minimal side effects.