Topical antifungal

Topical antifungal is a type of antifungal medication that is applied directly to the skin, nails, or mucous membranes to treat fungal infections. These medications are available in various forms, including creams, ointments, powders, and solutions.

Mechanism of Action

Topical antifungals work by inhibiting the growth of fungus on the skin. They do this by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to the death of the fungus. Some topical antifungals, such as azoles, inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. Others, like allylamines, inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is necessary for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Uses

Topical antifungals are used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), and tinea versicolor. They are also used to treat candidiasis, a yeast infection that can affect the skin, mouth, throat, and genitals.

Side Effects

While generally safe and effective, topical antifungals can cause side effects in some people. These may include skin irritation, burning, redness, and itching. In rare cases, they can cause allergic reactions.

Types of Topical Antifungals

There are several types of topical antifungals, including:

• Azoles: This class of antifungals includes clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole. They are commonly used to treat skin and nail fungal infections.
• Allylamines: This class includes terbinafine and naftifine. They are often used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
• Polyenes: This class includes nystatin and amphotericin B, which are commonly used to treat skin and mucous membrane fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species.

See Also

• Antifungal medication
• Fungal infection
• Azoles
• Allylamines
• Polyenes