Fungal Infections and Emerging Treatments

Treatment & Prevention of Infectious Disease

Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal diseases. Depending on the nature of the infection, a topical or systemic agent may be used.

Example of antifungals include: fluconazole which is the basis of many over-the-counter antifungal treatments . Another example is amphotericin b which is more potent and used in the treatment of the most severe fungal infections that show resistance to other forms of treatment and it is administered intravenously.

Drugs to treat skin infections are the azoles: ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine among others.

Yeast infections in the vagina, caused by candida albicans, can be treated with medicated suppositories such as tioconazole and pessaries whereas skin yeast infections are treated with medicated ointments.

There are two main approaches to preventing fungal infection. One is to avoid contact with the organism. This can be achieved by not sharing hats, combs, brushes, or other objects, especially when fungus infections are present. Wearing flip-flops or shoes in locker rooms, public showers, and around swimming pools can help reduce contact with athlete's foot fungus.