Nystatin is an antifungal drug, commonly prescribed to treat mold and yeast infections. It is considered a relatively safe drug in curing oral or gastrointestinal problems pertaining to candida species.

Nystatin has been a proven cure for cutaneous, vaginal, mucousal and esophageal candidiasis. It is even prescribed in treating neonatal oral thrush of over one month in age. However, for younger babies, miconazole is the appropriate alternative medicine.

So, how does Nystatin cure your candida infection?

Nystatin attaches to ergosterol, which is a primary component of the cell membrane of the fungus, Candida albicans or any fungus for that matter. When, Nystatin is present in adequate amounts in the cell membrane of the fungus, it can form pores in the membrane causing the potassium ions to leak out of the cell thereby leading to the death of the fungus.

How come the drug does not affect humans?

The reason is that, ergosterol is fairly unique to fungi cell membranes. Therefore, it does not have any catastrophic effect on animals or humans. Further, since Nystatin is not absorbed in the gut, it is safe to drink orally and does not have problems with drug interactions especially if you are taking other medications.

However, Nystatin does cause some side effects but not each person is susceptible to this. Some of the side effects are itching, irritation and burning in the vaginal are when used to treat that part of the body. For tablets and liquid Nystatin, these are the common side effects: diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain and skin rash. If you believe that the side effect is just too much to bear, better consult a doctor.

What are the forms of Nystatin plus, when and how to use it?

Tablet or lozenge (pastilles): Nystatin tablet is usually gulped down with water, while lozenges are dissolved in the mouth instead of gulping it down or chewing it. It is much more effective that way in treating oral thrush. Then, continue to use Nystatin lozenges even if the symptoms of oral thrush have abated. Use Nystatin lozenges for an additional two days.

Liquid form: Nystatin bottle of liquid should be shook well before each use so that the medication is evenly distributed. For mouth infections, use it three to five times a day. So place half a dose of the liquid on each side of the mouth and swish and gargle it for a minute and swallow it. After, do not immediately drink water. Wait at least five minutes before doing so. For intestinal infections, consume medication three times a day and just swallow it directly without gargling or swishing.

Vaginal tablets and cream: Nystatin vaginal tablets and creams are commonly applied once or twice a day on the vaginal area. The tablets are almost always used for a span of two weeks for women who are not pregnant. While pregnant women are also able to use Nystatin for three to six weeks before giving birth.

Here are some directions to follow when inserting tablets or creams into the vagina. First, read the directions before starting the application. Along with the cream or tablet is a special applicator, fill the applicator to the level indicated. Then lie on the bed facing up with knees bent, spread apart and feet flat on the bed. Relax, then gently insert the applicator into your vagina (as high as you can) and push the plunger to release the medication. After, withdraw the applicator and rinse it with soap and warm water as you wash your hands to avoid spreading the yeast infection.

Further advice: You can use sanitary napkins to protect your underwear and clothing from stains. However, a tampon is not advised because it will only absorb the drug. Do not douche unless as prescribed by a physician and continue to use Nystatin even if you have your period in the middle of the treatment.

If you have missed a dose, apply the medication as soon as you remember it or if the next dose is already near, skip the one you have missed and never try to double dose just to make up for the one you have missed.

What are the brand names of Nystatin available in pharmacies?

To name a few: Nystan (oral tablets, topical ointments), Infestat, Nystalocal, Nystamont, Nystop (topical powder), Nystex, Mykinac, Nysert (vaginal suppositories), Nystaform (topical cream and ointment), Nilstat (vaginal tablet, oral drops), Korostatin (vaginal tablets), Mycostatin (vaginal tablets and topical powder), Nidoflor, Lystin and many more…

It is aggravated by heat, moisture, friction and lack of air circulation. Let’s brush up on our fungal infection basics.

The infection begins as a small red area and spreads in a circle or ring. Diaper rash is also caused by Candida albicans and is commonly seen in babies when soiled diapers are not changed frequently. Fungal infections are contagious, therefore, hygiene is important.

Jock Itch infects the upper thighs and groin, causing itching and burning. It affects different parts of the body. Skin fungal infections are difficult to identify, as the symptoms and appearance of the skin resemble other types of dermatitis or skin allergies.
What are Fungi?

It occurs in areas of the body which have skin touching skin, such as the armpits and groin. Inea versicolor changes the color of the infected skin, making it lighter or darker. Andidiasis is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. Ungal Infection Basics

Know Your Fungal Infection Basics

Fungal infections are caused by fungi invading the body’s tissues. People who are susceptible to fungal infections are those with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, lung disease and patients who have received organ transplants. Fungi are one of the major groups of microorganisms, the others being bacteria, viruses and parasites. Wash your clothing frequently. Let’s look at some fungal infection basics. It is a very common fungal infection and affects up to 70 per cent of people.

Who is Susceptible?

Superficial fungal infections are seen on the skin surface, nails and hair, and areas which stay warm and damp because of clothing and shoes. In areas of high humidity, wear loose cotton clothes. Knowing your fungal infection basics can help you prevent these infections by maintaining good personal hygiene. They may cause yeast infections or fungal dermatophyte infections. Do not share clothes, towels and footwear.

These infections are difficult to treat. Wash your hands after touching other people. It is not restricted to males, even women can get it. Candida causes vaginal yeast infections. Fungi can be classified by the level of penetration, parts of the body affected or the organism causing the infection. The word “fungi” is actually an umbrella term for thousands of species of fungi but only about 25 types cause infections. Use antiperspirants and talcum powder to keep the skin dry.

Types of Infections

Ringworm or tinea corpora are caused by a tiny fungus. Athlete’s Foot is usually seen between the toes and sometimes on toenails and the soles of the feet. Keep skin clean and dry. Systemic fungal infections usually begin in the lungs and spread to other organs. They exist as yeasts and moulds.

The choice of drug depends on the nature and severity of infection. If the person has a weak immune system and the conditions are right for the fungi to grow, a fungal infection can occur.

Treatment and Prevention

There are various topical and systemic anti-fungal drugs available. Subcutaneous fungal infections affect the deeper layers of the skin, tissues and muscles. Intertrigo is a Candida infection which affects skin folds. Anyone may get a fungal infection because of fungi present in the air and soil or on the surfaces of everyday objects. These fungi enter through areas where the skin is injured or broken. Candida nail infections occur in people whose hands are continuously immersed in water.

What are fungal infections of the skin?

Skin infections are fungal infections of the skin caused by a fungus. There are many different types of fungal skin infections.

Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus that causes this and that part of the corresponding body part.

They can cause rashes with a variety of different appearances. Some are red, scaly and itchy, while others can produce a fine scale similar to dry skin. The fungus may infect just one area of the body, or infected areas may be several.

Fungal infections of the scalp or beard can lead to hair loss. Fungal eruptions, sometimes with other skin diseases as psoriasis and eczema mixed.

For parents, there is nothing more painful than seeing their infant sick. The inability of an infant to express what they are feeling is hard enough for most parents, what more if they are constantly struggling with their affliction. We as parents are powerless and thus we seek out the assistance of our child’s pediatrician.

Most of the time, pediatricians prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections like tonsillitis, ear infection, urinary track infections, pneumonia, etc, but what if our child is allergic to the medication prescribed? How do we detect this? What causes this, and what should we do about it? Is this type of treatment necessary?

Bacteria constantly evolve and develop resistances to antibiotics. An indication of this is unwillingness to feed, insufficient hydration, and blister-like blotches that cause irritation and itchiness. In worse case scenarios, an infant may go through anaphylactic shock, which can lead to loss of life. The infant experiences difficulty in breathing, loses consciousness, and will need a shot of adrenaline. If not administered immediately, death may soon follow.

The following often cause yeast infection in infants:

? The constant use of antibiotics

? The use of unclean pacifiers and baby bottles

? Breastfeeding by yeast-infected mothers

? Humid weather

Yeast infection in infants is a clear sign of the immune system’s reaction to the overuse of antibiotics. This medication produces microorganisms that are detected by the child’s body as foreign and harmful substances, and in turn triggers the creation of allergic antibodies to counter these substances. These antibodies are the main cause of hives, thrush, diarrhea, and constant vomiting. These symptoms may occur after the first or after several dosages of the said medication.

There are measures we as parents can take to prevent yeast infection in infants. We must understand that our children’s immune system must be naturally strengthened in order to avoid yeast infection. We must avoid the needless introduction or exposure to fungus in their bodies, and maintain the balance of good bacteria in their digestive system. To do this, proper nutrition, supplementation, and the introduction of probiotics, in daily dosages, should be followed.

There are certain types of food parents should stop or reduce feeding infants, to avoid yeast infection. We should avoid feeding infants red meat, canned goods that are full of preservatives, vegetables that favor mold like corn, food rich in yeast like mushrooms and vinegar ( apple cider is an exception ), dairy produce notably from cows, egg whites, and caffeine.

We must also ensure our child’s proper hygiene. We must make sure of the cleanliness of their belongings and surroundings. Always remember to sanitize properly their pacifiers and bottles.

In conclusion, antibiotics should be avoided and should not be the immediate remedy for an infant’s bacterial infection. It should only be used as a last resort. A child must undergo the natural way of strengthening his or her body’s immune system, by breast feeding, proper nutrition, and properly balancing good bacteria. When an infant is suffering from an affliction, it would be wise to use alternative forms of medication, and let nature take its course.