Live Life Team
Dermatophytes are the fungi which cause infections to human body through the waterproof tissue of the skin called keratin that is on our nails, hair as well as on the outer surface of the skin.
Invasive fungal infections
Invasive fungal infections are those which occur inside the deep human tissues of brain or lungs. People who have a very weak immune system , one who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment or people with HIV, have higher chances of getting invasive fungal infections.
Antifungal drugs
The medicines which are used for the treatment of any fungal infection are known as antifungal drugs.
Types of anti-fungal treatments
antifungal creams or the topical antifungal drugs
antifungal tablets or the oral antifungal drugs
Antifungal injections or the intravenous antifungal drigs.
What are the topical antifungal drugs
Topical antifungal drugs are those drugs which are used in the treatment of minor fungal skin infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot or scalp infections. Topical antifungal drugs can also be used while treating for vaginal thrush, which is caused by fungi in the vagina.
Some of the popularly used topical antifungal drugs are given below:
Clotrimazole
Econazole
Miconazole
Terbinafine
Topical antifungal drugs normally do not have any side effects, but if one experiences severe blistering, redness, itching or irritation, he or she should conduct a general physician.
What are oral antifungal drugs
Oral antifungal drugs are used in the treatment of more severe cases of fungal skin infection or vaginal thrush. If a person have a weakend immune system, oral antifungal drugs are given as a protection againstion invasive fungal infections.
Commonly used oral antifungal drugs are fluconazole, which can be used for treating vaginal thrush, ketoconazole, which can be used for treating fungal skin and nail infections.
Some of the side effects of using oral antifungals are mild abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion and diarrhea. Rare cases of liver damage have also been reported.
The antifungals should be discontinued and a doctor must be consulted if the patient feels loss of appetite. Vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue or dark urine.
Avoid oral antifungal drugs in case of liver problems, if the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. .
What are intravenous antifungal drugs
Intravenous antifungal drugs can be used for treating invasive fungal infections. People who have undergone bone marrow transplantation are administered with intravenous antifungal drugs to prevent invasive fungal infections.
The most commonly used intravenous antifungal drug is Amphotericin B. Since this has toxic effect on human body, one should be very careful while using this.
The side effects of using Amphotericin B are fever, shaking, chills and loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, rapid breathing and headache.
Cases of kidney damage, liver damage, and nerve damage has also been reported in some less common situations.
Amphotericin B can only be administered in hospitals so that in case if any adverse effects are noticed, they can be quickly detected and treated.
