What Are Antifungal Treatments? 

Fungi can be found throughout the world in all kinds of environments. Most fungi don’t cause disease in people. However, some species can infect humans and cause illness.

Antifungal drugs are medications that are used to treat fungal infections. While most fungal infections affect areas such as the skin and nails, some can lead to more serious and potentially life threatening conditions like meningitis or pneumonia.

There are several types of antifungal drugs available to fight fungal infections.

Fungal infections

There are many types of fungal infection. You can get a fungal infection by coming into contact with a fungus or fungal spores that are present in the environment.

Some of the most common fungal infections are those of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. Examples include:

• Ringworm (also known as tinea): a fungal infection of the skin that can occur on your scalp, on your feet (athlete’s foot), in your groin area (jock itch), and on other areas of your body
• Nail fungus: an infection that typically affects your toenails but can also affect your fingernails
• Vaginal yeast infection: an infection that occurs due to overgrowth of Candida yeast in and around the vagina
• Oral thrush: a condition in which Candida yeast overgrows in your mouth

While many types of fungal infections are easily treated, some can be serious. See your doctor if a fungal infection doesn’t go away with OTC treatment or if you suspect you have a more serious fungal infection.

More serious fungal infections

There are also some less common but more serious fungal infections that can cause fungal pneumonia, fungal meningitis, or even systemic infections. These will require consultation with a medical doctor for a prescription for stronger medications, or admission into hospital.