Learn About Common Antifungals

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole helps with athlete's foot, ringworm, and pityriasis, like many other antifungals! It also treats seborrhea! Many of you will get it as a cream to apply on your skin or scalp. Of course, ladies, make sure your skin's clean when you do! Don't put it on open wounds or very irritated skin. Unfortunately, you will have to avoid this one if you're breastfeeding or have asthma. Some allergies make it unsafe too, such as ones to sulfites and other antifungals. Econazole is one of the examples!

Common side effects are out there. They include hair color and texture changes, thinning hair, and dry or itchy skin. Shortness of breath isn't common, but you have to call your doctor right away about it! Do this when you feel any pain where you applied this medication. You should avoid using harsh products, including soap, when you're on this one. When you have pityriasis, keep out of the sun!

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is another strong antifungal. You will take it for infections when they're in your lungs, blood, mouth, bladder, and esophagus! Ladies, expect it when your immune system is compromised or you have cancer. It prevents these infections that we just mentioned! This medication even helps when you're trying to treat meningitis from HIV and AIDs. That said, your doctor has to assess you first. It's a concern when you have things like kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease. A history of HIV, AIDs, and cancer matters too when they're assessing this antifungal.

Although it's effective, it has side effects. The ones you see the most, ladies, are things like nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, and headaches. Taste changes and diarrhea often appear too! You need to avoid medication interactions, so talk to your doctor. This one interacts with blood pressure medication, cholesterol drugs, and blood thinners. Most of the time, a dose change helps. That said, switching medications is a common choice here too!