Topical Antifungals – Helpful Information

What are they?

Topical antifungals are medications such as creams, lotions etc. that can be applied directly to the nails, hair, skin vaginally and or inside the mouth to treat various types of localized fungus infections , some can be obtained over the counter without a prescription from a doctor and while some require a prescription from the doctor.

Available medication

This topical antifungals are normally offered in the form of creams, solutions, lotions, powders, gels, sprays and lacquers and in different sizes.

Types or subtypes

There are a variety of routes in which antifungals can be used, for example topical antifungals are those antifungal agents that are required to be applied directly on the affected are unlike oral or parental antifungals that are used to treat fungal infections systemically (those infections that cannot be treated by applying the medication directly to the affected area).

What do they treat?

Vaginal infections

Commonly referred to as yeast to infections is a conditions whereby the vagina is inflamed, has an intense itch and normally secrets a thick white discharge can be treated by apply topical vagina cream for a period of seven days or less, creams such as clotrimazole (Canesten Vaginal Creams), terconazole (Terazol) and miconazole (Monistat).

Ring worm

Also called dermatophytosis caused by a fungus normally appears on the skin in the form of a ring, it is not caused by a worm. It can appear anywhere on the body. Most commonly used crams to treat ringworm are clotrimazole (Canesten), terconazole (Terazol), miconazole (Monistat).

Jock itch (tinea cruris)

This is normally found around the groin area with presenting characteristics like, inguinal folds and red scaling plaques on the medial thigh, most people affected by this are also infected by athletes foot and it is postulated that they spread is by hand from athletes foot, topical creams such as Micatin and those containing clotrimazole are commonly used to treat it.

Male yeast infection

Common symptoms of yeast infection include white, shiny patches and red rash on the penis. Sometimes a thick white substance maybe found under the foreskin or any other folds of the skin and the skin of the penis may also be moist, burning sensation of the penis and itch may also be experienced. 

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

An infection that normally starts with the toes and mostly affects people wearing tightfitting shoes and very sweaty feet. The signs and symptoms include itching, scaly rash burning and stinging. Most commonly used creams to treat athlete’s foot include clotrimazole (Lotrimin or Canesten), miconazole (Micatin) and terbinafine (Lamisil).

Prescription and over the counter medications

Some of this topical agents are mostly obtained over the counter while some the patients required a prescription, they require a prescription for those infections that maybe be resistant to the over the counter antifungal agents.

Safety information

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of topical antifungals may include the following:

• Rash Severe.
• Small Skin Blister Severe.
• Numbness and Tingling Less
• Redness of Skin
• Skin Inflammation
• Skin Irritation

Contraindications

The use of any antifungal topical agent is contraindicated in any one who is hypersensitive to any of the active ingredients or any ingredients used in the formulation.

Warnings and precautions

• Topical antifungals should be used with care in children
• If vaginal yeast infection happens quite often, you should see a doctor
• Topical antifungals should not be swallowed as they can cause harm.
• You should protect fabrics and cloths from staining.
• Do no use a topical antifungal for vaginal itching if it is not caused by a u yeast infection.
• Topical antifungals should not be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
• You should wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• Make sure to use the medication for the duration of treatment.