Antifungal Cream

Antifungal creams are topical antifungal drugs that are widely used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nail and vagina or genital areas. Fungi typically thrives in moist and dark places, and this is the reason why fungal infections in areas like the mouth, groin or genital areas and armpits are very common. However, such infection can also affect the scalp, neck and other parts of the body. Some of the most common fungal infections are used are, candidiasis or yeast infection, ringworm, athlete's foot, fungal infection of the finger and toenail, and jock itch. Rarely, fungal infections can also affect internal organs like, heart, lungs and brain, especially when the immune system is weakened due to some other medical conditions like, AIDS, or cancer treatment such as chemotherapy. Such internal infections can lead to life-threatening conditions. Treatment of internal fungal infection would require systemic antifungal drugs, available in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid and injections.

How Do Antifungal Creams Work?

The antifungal drugs including the topical creams work by identifying the fungal cells from the human cells, and then, destroying the fungal cells without causing damage to the human cells. However, distinguishing the fungal cells from the human cells is usually not very easy, as both are eukaryotic cells. Fungal and human cells can look quite similar, and due to this similarity, these creams may sometimes damage the human cells while destroying the fungal cells. This can cause a few minor side effects like, itching and burning sensations. Sometimes, they are combined with hydrocortisone to reduce the inflammation caused by fungal infection, while treating the infection.

Topical Antifungal Creams

As has been mentioned already, these creams are mainly used to treat fungal infections of the skin. These creams are available in many different varieties with different strengths. The most common ingredients found in these creams and other topical preparations are, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, sulconazole, terbinafine, amorolfine and griseofulvin. Out of these, the more commonly used topical preparation for yeast infection contains, nystatin, clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, tioconazole and isoconazole.

The cream for ringworm usually contains ingredients like, terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole. Even diaper rash, if caused by yeast would require the application of antifungal creams. Clotrimazole and nystatin are the most frequently used creams for diaper rash. However, before applying this medicine, it is very important to ascertain that the infection is indeed caused by fungi, and not by any other agent. One should also talk to their physician to know more about the creams of different strength, as well as the different brands and how to use them.

Most of the time, antifungal creams can effectively cure fungal infections without causing any adverse reactions. A few minor side effects like, skin irritation, itching, redness and a burning sensation can be experienced by some individuals. Sometimes, allergic reactions can also be observed after applying topical antifungal preparations, which however, should be reported to a physician. In general, while applying the creams, one should take adequate care to make sure that these preparations do not enter the eyes. The pregnant women should consult their physician before using any kind of antifungal drug, systemic as well as topical. If the fungal infection is of severe nature, persistent and has affected a large part of the body, then systemic or oral antifungal medications may be required to treat the condition. For such severe infections, consider a visit to your physician to ensure proper treatment.