Currently, antifungal ointments are the main way to combat fungal manifestations. Ointment is a special means of local action. The action of the drug is aimed at curing infection caused by fungal formations. Nowadays, pharmacies sell many effective and inexpensive ointments. All of them, as a rule, are prescribed by specialists in the initial stages of mycotic disease.
Ointments against mycosis have obvious advantages, which include:
- Large selection of funds. You can buy multi-purpose or special medications, for example, to eliminate infection only on the nail plates or only between the fingers;
- General availability and low price;
- Convenient to use and easy to apply.
Along with the advantages, ointments also have the following disadvantages:
List of general ointments
Some of the most popular and effective are the following ointments.
In addition to generally accepted pharmaceutical drugs against mycosis, there are cheaper and no less effective remedies.
Among them it is worth noting:
- Salicylic ointment. The infected area is treated 1-3 times a day and the course lasts 10-20 days. Average cost ≈ 23 rubles.
- Zinc ointment. Recommended for young children and pregnant women. Use 4-5 times a day. Price ≈ 35 rubles.
- Sulfuric ointment. The medicine is used 2 times a day. Course 7 days. Price ≈ 17 rubles.
For body skin
Mycosis on the skin is often localized on the foot or between the toes. However, the disease can spread to the entire body. What means can you use to get rid of mycosis on the skin?
For face
- Mikoket- on the face. The result is manifested by the component ketoconazole. Application: apply to sore spots and the skin around them. The treatment process consists of stopping the spread of mycosis pathogens. Duration of treatment - from 2 weeks.
- Orungal– oral drug (consumed by swallowing) in capsule form. Shows systemic effects. The improvement process is based on the fact that the substance destroys cell wall synthesis. Must be taken 2 times a day.
For legs
Below is a list of effective remedies for treating foot fungus.
A large number of people experience fungal diseases of the feet and nails. The human body is not able to develop immunity to this disease, and if personal hygiene is not maintained, the fungus can cause a lot of inconvenience. To defeat it, there are various antifungal drugs and their analogues.
The first signs of mycosis attack
To select the right antimycotics for the treatment of mycoses, you need to diagnose the disease in time and establish the cause of its development. The most common signs that you can identify on your own:
- appeared on the heels characteristic cracks, the skin is rough and flaky;
- the appearance of blisters between the fingers, itching;
- redness of the skin;
- the color of the nails has acquired a yellowish tint;
- the layer of the nail plate has become thicker and is stratified;
- unpleasant smell.
If measures are not taken, the infection will spread to adjacent nails and skin areas. Then the fungus will be much more difficult to cure. Don't put off visiting a dermatologist. The specialist will prescribe an antifungal agent and the necessary course of treatment.
Features of drugs against fungus
Medicine provides many different remedies to eliminate fungal diseases and cure them effectively. Which drug to choose depends on the type of pathogen, the duration of the disease and the degree of spread throughout the skin. The drugs allow you to treat not only the external manifestations of the fungus, but also the internal ones. Release forms:
- tablets, liquid solutions, sprays;
- antifungal varnishes, gels, ointments, creams;
- candles.
The fungus easily adapts to any active substances and is susceptible to mutation. It quickly develops into a more stable form, which is more difficult to overcome. Therefore, you should not choose a treatment on your own, but rather consult a doctor. He will prescribe comprehensive treatment. Some of medicinal products they fight moldy fungi, others fight yeast. But all drugs are aimed at one goal - to stop the spread of infection by destroying and destroying pathogens.
Review of antifungal drugs
Depending on the chemical composition and pharmacological properties, anti-fungal drugs are divided into 3 classes. Each group has a wide or narrow range of activities. The most effective and popular drugs belong to the groups of azoles, polyene antibiotics and allylamines. They differ in the following properties:
- Azoles. These are synthetic substances that stop and suppress the proliferation of fungi. They are systemic and local. Widely used in the treatment of mycoses of the mucous membranes and thrush. And also for fungal diseases of the nails, skin and scalp. These include Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole.
- Polyenes. This group of drugs has a wide range of actions. They are intended for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, hair and skin, as well as mucous membranes. Doctors often prescribe them to patients who have lowered immunity. Medicines are produced in tablets and ointments. This includes Nystatin, Levorin, Pimafucin, Amphotericin.
- Allylamines. Products belonging to this group intensively fight fungal diseases of nails, skin and hair. The most common are Terbinafine and Naftifine.
There are also a number effective means- These are antifungal nail polishes. They are used when oral treatment is contraindicated for the patient. The product is created in the form of a liquid substance that is applied to the nail plate. Thanks to its special texture, it penetrates into the smallest cracks and has maximum effect on fungal spores. After application, a durable coating is formed that lasts well and for a long time. Names of common varnishes: Oflomelid, Lotseril, Oflomil, Mikozan.
Inexpensive effective analogues
Medicines against fungus are a lucrative business. Drug prices range from high to low. In medicine, there are many antifungal drugs that are inexpensive but effective:
- Lamisil. This is an expensive ointment that can be replaced with cheap analogues: Lamederm, Batrofen or Mikobene. The main component of these drugs is terbinafine hydrochloride. It actively fights against pathogenic fungi, such as mold and dimorphic fungi. If the form of the disease is advanced, it is recommended to use internal and external drugs simultaneously.
- Candide. This ointment for external use is made on the basis of clotrimazole, which has a fungicidal and finstatic effect. The medicine fights any fungal infections. Available in tubes of 20 ml. The names of common analogues based on clotrimazole: Candibene, Kanizon, Metronidazole.
- Futsis. This is the most popular antimycotic ointment, which contains fluconazole. It has a transparent, colorless consistency and a characteristic odor. Active substance does not allow pathogenic fungi to develop and reproduce. Has a wide spectrum of action. Used in the treatment of infections caused by yeasts and dermatophytes, as well as Candida. Analogues of the drug: Forkan, Mikosist, Flucostat, Flucorem.
In order to effectively neutralize pathogenic fungi and prevent recurrence, some ointments are used for several days after recovery. Because of this, you will need not 1 tube of ointment, but 2 or 3 pieces.
Medicines for children
Children under 3 years of age are most susceptible to fungal diseases. Their skin is more delicate than that of adults, and Candida fungus penetrates through diaper rash. To eliminate it, use Candide-B ointment. Other pediatric medications:
- If the mucous membranes are damaged, antifungal drops Pifamucin are used.
- Powders for newborns with nystatin help get rid of diaper dermatitis. The powdered drug should be used with caution so that the child does not inhale it.
- Clotrimazole cream cures cutaneous candidiasis. It is suitable for children from 0 to 3 years old. You can replace the drug with analogues - Imidil, Candizol, Clotrimazole-Acri.
- All types of cutaneous mycosis are treated with preparations for the body and facial skin, which include clotrimazole. They are suitable for children aged 3 years and above and have an affordable price. Effectively help in the treatment of ringworm and athlete's foot.
There are many plants that fight fungal diseases. These are black tea and currants, sage flowers, lemon, fragrant dill. If the child does not have allergies, then a decoction of weak consistency is prepared from herbs, then diaper rash and folds on the skin are wiped.
Antimycotic drugs are a group of drugs that are used to treat fungal diseases. Most of them are highly toxic, so in pediatric practice only some of the known drugs are used and strictly as prescribed by a doctor.
Children's age and fungal diseases
In general, medicine knows several hundred fungal diseases, but only a few of them are encountered specifically in pediatric practice. Doctors have identified the most commonly diagnosed fungal diseases in childhood:
- candidiasis();
- microsporia;
- histoplasmosis;
- dermatophytosis;
- cryptococcosis;
- pityriasis versicolor;
- onychomycosis;
- blastomycosis;
- keratitis of fungal etiology;
- aspergillosis;
- visceral;
- trichophytosis.
Types of antifungal agents
In medicine, a strict classification of antimycotic drugs has been adopted. Firstly, they may differ in their origin:
- synthetic – allylamines and azoles;
- natural – polyenes;
- others - cycloprirox, potassium iodide.
Secondly, antimycotic drugs are classified according to the method of application:
- local - for example, miconazole;
- systemic - for example, itraconazole.
The choice of specific antifungal drugs when treating a child is made only by a doctor - he will take into account not only the age and weight of the child, but also existing somatic diseases, the general state of the immune system, the neglect of the diagnosed fungal disease and its type.
This group of drugs includes ointments, creams, gels, aerosols, vaginal tablets, shampoos, lotions, nail polishes, powders and emulsions. All topical antifungal agents are derivatives of imidazole, triazole and allylamine. These substances destroy the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell, which automatically leads to disruption of its structure and functionality.
The most effective antifungal drugs local application in the treatment of versicolor versicolor, dermatophytosis of the skin and candidiasis. With a fungal disease of the esophagus or oral cavity(candidal stomatitis), clotrimazole can be used in the form of pastilles or tablets - in this case, it will also have a local effect on fungal cells.
If eye fungus or candidiasis (of various localizations) is to be treated, the doctor may prescribe a nystatin suspension.
In case of damage, the drugs in question are used extremely rarely - this is due to the fact that the active substances penetrate very poorly into the thickness of the nail. The only effective topical remedy is nail polishes, which not only have a detrimental effect on fungal colonies, but also cover the nail plate with a protective film that prevents the penetration of oxygen to the fungal cells and they die.
Antifungal nail polishes include demikten, micozan, belvedere, batrafen and others. You should know that to obtain the effect, the nail plate must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded before applying this drug.
Recommended reading:Systemic antifungal agents
Most often, systemic antifungal drugs are used in pediatric practice if the fungal disease is advanced and widespread. Since systemic drugs with antifungal action are taken orally (by mouth), there is always a chance of developing severe side effects - these drugs are very toxic.
We recommend reading:Note:The attending physician must select specific medications and prescribe dosage for a child diagnosed with a fungal disease.
If a doctor prescribes a systemic antimycotic drug, and the child takes drugs that reduce the secretory activity of the stomach, then the absorption of such a drug will worsen, and therefore the effect of treatment will appear more slowly.
The most commonly prescribed systemic antifungal drugs in childhood are ketoconazole, flucytosine, griseofulvin and ampholip - each of these drugs can be used as monotherapy or combined with other antifungal drugs.
Doctors know very well that drugs from the polyene group can cause a powerful allergic reaction. Therefore, if a child had a similar side effect to one drug from this group, another is no longer prescribed. Yes, there are exceptions, but specialists take such a risk only if other medications do not give the desired effect.
Amphotericin B is also used extremely rarely in pediatric practice; many doctors prefer to do without it altogether - the level of toxicity of the drug is very high. The only time when the use of amphotericin B is justified is when there is a real danger to the child’s life.
Systemic antifungal drugs should not be prescribed to patients with diagnosed kidney and liver diseases. chronic form course, disturbances in the absorption of lactase by the intestines.
Certain antifungal drugs have restrictions for use by age group. For example, allylamine drugs are contraindicated for children under 12 years of age; terbizil in tablet form cannot be prescribed to children under 2 years of age, but the same drug for local therapy is quite acceptable for use in younger children.
The use of antifungal drugs in pediatric practice should only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. In no case should you independently select remedies for fungus for your children - this can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body, which will result in problems in the functioning of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and other systems.
Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category
Antifungal drugs (antimycotics) are a group of drugs that help destroy fungal agents in the human body. Most of them are highly toxic, which is why only certain products are indicated for use in pediatric practice.
Fungal diseases in childhood
Among all fungal diseases, the most common in childhood are the following pathological conditions:
- Candidiasis (skin surface, gastrointestinal).
- Dermatophytosis (groin folds, feet, torso, etc.).
- Pityriasis versicolor.
- Fungal keratitis.
- Trichophytosis.
- Microsporia.
- Cryptococcosis.
- Aspergillosis.
- Visceral leishmaniasis.
- Histoplasmosis.
- Blastomycosis.
Classification of antifungal drugs
Depending on their origin, antimycotic drugs are:
- natural – polyenes (nystatin, levorin, amphotericin B, natamycin);
- synthetic – azoles, allylamines;
- drugs of other groups (potassium iodide, griseofulvin, cycloprirox, etc.).
According to the method of use, all antifungal drugs are divided into:
- systemic (, ketoconazole, itraconazole);
- local (clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole).
The selection of antifungal drugs is carried out taking into account the prevalence of the disease, concomitant pathologies in the child and possible side effects during the treatment process.
Antimycotic agents for topical use in children
This group of antimycotics includes the following dosage forms:
- cream;
- ointments;
- lotions;
- suspensions;
- powders;
- lozenges (tablets for resorption in the oral cavity);
- vaginal tablets;
- aerosols;
- shampoos;
- nail polishes.
Local antimycotic agents are derivatives of triazole, imidazole (cycloprirox, haloprogin, undecylenic acid), allylamine (exoderil, lamisil, termikon, terbizil), which contribute to damage to the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell wall, disrupting its normal functioning and structure.
Terbizil
This group of products is effective against candidiasis (cutaneous, vaginal), lichen versicolor, and dermatophytosis of the skin. Clotrimazole in the form of tablets or lozenges can be used for candidal stomatitis or esophagitis (fungal infection of the esophagus).
In ophthalmological practice, it is possible to use natamycin suspension, which belongs to the class of polyene antibiotics of the macrolide group. In addition, nystatin suspension and amphotericin B can be used to treat candidiasis of various localizations in childhood.
For the treatment of dermatophytosis in pediatric practice, undecylenic acid and tolnaftate are used.
When the nail plates are damaged (onychomycosis), they are not highly effective because they do not penetrate the nail well. In this situation, the best option is to use antifungal agents available in the form of nail polishes. In addition to the direct fungicidal (antifungal) effect, such varnishes tightly cover the nail, dry it out and prevent the penetration of air, which leads to the complete death of all fungal agents.
Representatives of this group are:
- mycosan;
- batrafen;
- demictene;
- belvedere, etc.
Before applying the varnish, it is necessary to treat the nail: file the damaged areas using a disposable nail file and treat the surface with alcohol.
For the treatment of onychomycosis, ointments, gels, creams, sprays or drops based on azoles (mifungar, mycospor, zalain, nizoral, candide) or allylamines (exoderil, termikon, lamisil, terbix, atifin, etc.) can also be used.
Systemic antifungal drugs
Systemic drugs must be prescribed by a doctorIn most cases, this group of antifungal agents is used for severe fungal infections of the body. Due to their use orally or intravenously, the likelihood of side effects is high, so only a medical professional should select the drugs and prescribe the dosage after determining the sensitivity of the pathogen to the drugs.
It is worth remembering that the simultaneous use of systemic antimycotic drugs and antacids (drugs that reduce gastric secretory activity) can lead to a decrease in their absorption in the gastrointestinal canal.
Among the drugs in this group, children are often prescribed griseofulvin, ketoconazole, amphotericin B (ampholip), and flucytosine. Each of them has its own spectrum of action and can be used as a monotherapy option or in conjunction with other groups of drugs.
Contraindications to the use of antifungal agents
Each representative of the group of polyenes is capable of causing an allergic reaction in a child, therefore, recorded cases of intolerance to one of the drugs are a contraindication to the prescription of similar drugs, or their use is permissible if previous therapy is ineffective.
Amphotericin B should not be used everywhere, due to its high toxicity; its use is justified only in situations that threaten the life of a small patient. It is used with caution in patients with disorders of the liver, kidneys, and concomitant.
The administration of antifungal drugs with systemic action is not recommended for patients with chronic kidney or liver diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, with lactase deficiency, or with impaired absorption of galactose in the intestines.
Some drugs have restrictions on age groups; the allylamine series is not used in children under 12 years of age due to the lack of data on its safety. Terbizil in tablets is approved in pediatric practice after 2 years, and for local therapy - from a younger age.
Considering the high toxicity of most antifungal drugs, the difficulty in selecting an adequate dosage, as well as the certain spectrum of action of antifungal drugs, treatment of fungal infections must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, and in no case should you self-medicate!
Which doctor should I contact?
Fungal infections of the skin and other organs are treated by a dermatologist, but there is also a more specialized specialist, a mycologist. If internal organs or mucous membranes are damaged, the child needs to select therapy from a specialized specialist, for example, a gynecologist or gastroenterologist. For recurrent fungal infections, an examination by an immunologist and an infectious disease specialist is necessary.
Mycosis or fungal infection of the nail plates is one of the oldest diseases. It is impossible to develop immunity to mycosis. And the only effective means of prevention is personal hygiene.
Over the past half century, there has been a slight decrease in the number of fungal diseases. However, mycosis continues to maintain a leading position among all skin problems. Today, more than 400 strains of fungus are known to attack the human body. All these strains are highly contagious and able to retain their pathogenic properties for a long time. The best habitat for fungus is warm and moist surfaces. Therefore, lovers of swimming pools, saunas and baths are under attack.
A feature of mycoses is their resistance and immunity to therapeutic measures. In most cases, the person responsible for unsuccessful treatment is the patient himself, who is negligent about his own health and does not follow all the doctor’s instructions regarding treatment or voluntarily decides to stop treatment after the first improvements.
All this leads to the development of complicated mycosis, resistant to most medications.
Early self-diagnosis of pathogenic fungi makes it possible to defeat the disease faster and easier. The main signs of mycosis that can be detected independently are:
- Coarsening of the skin of the feet;
- Cracked heels;
- Burning and itching;
- Redness of the epithelium;
- Scaly and peeling skin;
- Change in color of the nail plate (formation of yellowish spots or stripes);
- Thickening of the nail plate;
- Delamination of the nail plate, change in the edge of the nail, its partial destruction.
Drug treatment of fungus
Drugs used to treat mycosis are called antimycotics. They include a wide range of different medications that are effective in combating fungus. Some of them are obtained from natural compounds, others exclusively in a chemical laboratory. All means for treating fungus are divided into several categories or groups depending on:
- Pharmacological composition;
- Pharmacodynamics (characteristic effects on different strains of mycoses).
All antifungal drugs have a number of contraindications and adverse reactions, so the prescription and duration of use is determined exclusively by a dermatologist!
When prescribing antifungal drugs for oral administration, it is important to strictly observe not only the duration of administration, but also the frequency (the drug must be taken at the same time), avoiding missed doses if possible.
How do fungal tablets work?
The action of broad-spectrum antifungal drugs in tablets is based on their fungicidal properties - eliminating fungal spores and preventing the proliferation of pathogenic microflora.
When taken orally, the antifungal drug quickly enters the bloodstream and begins an attack on the fungal spores. The active substance remains active for a long time and is then eliminated naturally. Various groups Medicines for fungus differ in pharmacological action. This is due to the components they contain.
Typology of effective fungal remedies
All mycoses can be divided into two groups:
- External mycoses attack the nail plates, epithelium and hairline;
- Hidden or internal fungal pathologies affect the internal organs of a person.
In the treatment of fungal diseases the following are used:
- Local antibiotic against fungus;
- Capsules against fungus with a wide spectrum of action.
When writing a prescription for this or that drug, the dermatologist takes into account clinical studies and prescribes an inexpensive antifungal remedy that is effective in treating a particular strain of mycosis.
Groups of effective antifungal drugs
Depending on the substances included in the composition of athymycotics, their pharmacological effects are divided into polyenes, azoles, allylamines, pyramidins and echinocandins. Let's look at the list of the most effective fungal remedies available in domestic pharmacies.
The first group of antimycotics is polyenes
Antifungal tablets of this group act on a large number of pathogenic microflora.
The polyene group of antimycotics includes:
- Nystatin;
- Levorin;
- Amphotericin B;
- Nitamycin or Pimafucin.
With the help of polyenes, they fight candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the genital organs and larynx, epithelium, as well as fungal diseases of the stomach.
The second group of antifungal agents is azoles
Inexpensive antifungal drugs of synthetic origin.
These include:
- Ketoconazole;
- Fluconazole;
- Itraconazole
Ketoconazole was one of the first cheap means of combating mycoses. However, due to large quantity complications, it was replaced by itraconazole and is used exclusively for local therapy. Azoles – the best means from epithelial fungus, nail plates, hair and certain strains of lichen.
Ketoconazole. The active substance included in its composition is imidazoledioxolane. An antibiotic against fungus is effective in therapy:
- Dermatophytes;
- Yeast-like mycoses;
- Higher mycoses;
- Dimorphic mycoses.
Ketoconazole in tablet form should be taken for diseases such as:
- Folliculitis;
- Chronic form of candidiasis;
- Dermatophytosis;
- Tinea versicolor;
- Recurrent vaginal mycosis.
Ketoconazole – effective tablets from a fungus resistant to other antimycotics. Contraindications are chronic diseases of internal organs. Possible side effects: allergic rashes, horse racing blood pressure, nausea and indigestion, dizziness and drowsiness.
Itraconazole. Chemical antifungal tablets have an effect in the body against a large number of strains of fungus:
- Yeast mushrooms;
- Dermatophytes;
- Mold fungi.
With the help of itraconazole drugs it is possible to overcome:
- Dermatomycosis;
- Vaginal and vulvocandidiasis;
- Tinea versicolor;
- Keratomycosis;
- Mycosis of the nail plates;
- Candidiasis of the oral mucosa;
- Cryptococcosis;
- Sporotrichosis;
- Blastomycosis;
- Histaplasmosis.
Prescribing itraconazole to women who are expecting a baby and mothers who are breastfeeding is prohibited. Possible side effects: skin rashes, disorder menstrual cycle in women, vision problems.
Fluconazole. The best antifungal drug prevents the growth of mycoses in the body and resists their replication. Effective in treating the following infections:
It is not used for nursing mothers; it is prescribed with caution to women expecting the birth of a baby and people suffering from heart disease. Possible allergic reactions and digestive problems are associated with individual sensitivity.
A peculiarity of taking antimycotics of the azole group is their use with food and washing down big amount water. Incompatible with simultaneous use of pimozide, terfenade, astemizole, quinidine, lovastatin.
The third group is alliamides
A group of synthetic products for removing fungus. The effect of alliamides is due to the effect on dermatomycosis - fungal infections of the nail plates, hair and epithelium.
Terbinafine. Used in therapy:
- Onychomycosis;
- Hair fungus;
- Dermatomycosis of the epithelium of the body and feet.
Contraindications are chronic diseases liver and kidneys, for women - the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding. Occasionally, allergic reactions occur in the form of rashes, headaches, taste bud disturbances, and problems with food absorption. The drug is taken regardless of food. Incompatible with alcohol.
Drug for severe forms of mycosis
Griseofulvin. Effective against dermatomycetes. This is due to the natural origin of the antimycotic. This remedy is called the best cure for fungus. Griseofulvin therapy is effective even in the most severe forms of fungal diseases. However, its use is not justified for the treatment of mild mycotic manifestations. The following strains are susceptible to griseofulvin:
- Epidermophyton;
- Trichophyton;
- Microsporum;
- Achorionum.
It is used in the treatment of microsporia of the epithelium, hair and nails, trichophytosis, epidermophytosis, dermatomycosis. Not prescribed for children under two years of age, patients with oncology, chronic blood and gastrointestinal diseases, during pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects from the digestive and nervous system, as well as allergic manifestations caused by individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. You can take griseofulvin during or after meals; for better absorption, the drug is combined with a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Preparations for external fungus removal
In the treatment of mycosis of the feet and nail plates, it is first necessary to remove the keratinized exfoliated layer of the epithelium.
Keratolytic ointments, such as naftalan, ichthyol, salicylic acid, have a resolving effect.
For epithelial fungus, antimycotic creams, gels and ointments are used:
A good treatment option for onychomycosis is to apply medicinal varnishes to the nail plate affected by the fungus - Lotseril, Batrafen. They are able to penetrate deep into the nail and continue to fight mycosis, forming a protective film on the surface of the nail.
Local treatment of hair mycosis is based on washing the hair with antimycotic shampoos: Mikanisal, Cynovit, Mycozoral, Sebiprox.
Don't self-medicate! An incorrectly selected antimycotic will not bring any effect, and too much treatment often causes not only skin rashes, but also damage to internal organs.
Complex treatment of mycosis includes taking antimycotics, local treatment of the affected area, and strengthening the body's immune defense.
Video on topic