fungal infection

In medicine, infection with a fungus, such as the Candida albicans. Sites of infection are the mouth, skin folds, and vagina. These are treated by the use of suspensions, creams, and pessaries containing antifungal agents, such as nystatin and clotrimazole. More generalized candidiasis may occur in patients with damaged immune systems due to AIDS or to the use of immunosuppressive drugs. These infections can be severe and they are treated with intravenous infusions of amphotericin and other antifungal drugs.

Dermatophyte infections are due to fungi that infect the keratin tissues of the skin, hair, and nails. Such infections are usually superficial and they tend to occur in moist and warm situations. Examples are athlete's foot and ringworm. They often respond to local treatment with clotrimazole or miconazole. Oral antifungal agents, such as terbinafine, may be required to treat persistent infections. Therapy may need to be prolonged over several weeks due to low concentrations of the drug reaching the site of infection because of poor blood supply. This is a particular problem with nail infections.