Fungi, which are primitive vegetables, can cause infection, as they are common organisms that exist in the air, soil, plants and water, according to MedlinePlus. Fortunately, only about half of fungi are actually dangerous, which can primarily affect the skin. If a patient inhales the spores of a harmful fungi, however, it usually begins in the lungs. Because the nature of this condition, fungi are often difficult to kill as it can quickly spread throughout the body and to other people and animals. The severity and type of fungal infection a person possesses will dictate the type of treatment they receive.
Ringworm Ointments, Powder and Shampoo
The usual method of treatment of ringworm infections is ointments. Contrary to the name, ringworm is not actually caused by a worm but instead but a microscopic fungi that a person contracts in moist areas such as a locker room, swimming pool or in the garden, TeensHealth says. Ringworm begins as a red, scaly patch or bump with a characteristic "ring" formation. It usually appears between the toes, in the groin area and on the scalp, but can occur anywhere on the skin. On the scalp is especially bothersome as it can quickly spread causing bald spots, crusted lesions and matted hair, according to the New York Times Health Guide. Ringworm usually responds well to over-the-counter antifungal ointments, powder and shampoo. Individuals with athlete's foot will require antifungal powder to sprinkle between the toes to keep the area dry. Ringworm of the groin, or "jock itch," responds well to ointments or creams that prevent it from spreading, especially due to clothing, according to MedlinePlus. Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, requires using selenium shampoo, pyrithione zinc shampoo or ketoconazole shampoo. Ringworm conditions that do not respond to over-the-counter ointments and powder will require prescription strength topical treatments prescribed by a physician. Tinea capitis often requires antifungal oral medication as the fungi enters the shafts of the hair, which shampoos cannot generally reach.
Candida Antifungal Creams
Candida, or yeast, infections primarily occur in women; however, yeast can cause a series of problems in the mouth, esophagus, skin as well as a systemic condition in which it spreads through the blood, according to MedlinePlus. Vaginal yeast infections have symptoms of watery, white and thick discharge, pain during intercourse, painful urination and redness and swelling of the vulva, MedlinePlus says. Over-the-counter vaginal creams or suppositories are generally highly effective, although persistent irritation will require prescription strength antifungal creams. Thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth, or esophagitis, or thrush that spreads to the esophagus, usually clears on its own within two weeks. These types of yeast infection often occur after a regimen of antibiotics in which yeast-balancing bacteria are killed causing the infection.
MedlinePlus says eating probiotic yogurt can help re-establish bacterial balance in the oral cavity to get rid of thrush or esophagitis. In severe cases, however, a physician may prescribe antifungal mouthwash such as nystatin or lozenges such as clotrimazole. Skin yeast infections such as tinea versicolor or cuteaneous candidiasis, which causes redness, burning and itching in the folds of the skin or hyperpigmentation of the chest, back and arms requires topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, terbinfaine or econazole applied twice daily for six to eight weeks, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Oral Antifungal Treatment
Oral antifungal treatments are often the last resort or when the fungus invades the bloodstream and then spreads to vital organs, according to MedlinePlus. The choice of oral antifungal medication, dosing and duration of the treatment depends on the type of fungi, the site of infection, co-existing diseases and the potential of drug interaction if a patient currently takes medication, DermNet NZ says. Itraconazole oral tablets is a useful broad spectrum antifungal drug that works best when taken with an acidic drink such as orange juice. REgualr dosing for requires between 100 mg to 200 mg for one to four weeks for skin infections or up to four months for persistent nail infections. Fluconazole is specifically for cutaneous fungal infections. Ketoconazole and terbinafine are secondary choices that treat fungal infections that are stubborn and for those that do not respond to the other medications, according to DermNet NZ.
