Synonyms in a broader sense
fungi, fungal diseases, candida, yeast, amphotericin B, athlete’s foot
Introduction
Antimycotics (remedies for fungal diseases) are medicines for fungal infections. Fungi are multicellular organisms that feed on organic material. About 100 000 species of fungi are known, but only about 50 species can be dangerous for humans.
One distinguishes the shoot or yeast fungi (e.g. Candida and Cryptococcus species) from the thread or mold fungi (e.g. aspergillus). Important attack-points of the antimycotics are the cell-wall of the fungi from Chitin, glucans and cellulose. Antimycotics (means against fungal diseases) can stop the growth of the fungi (fungistatic effect) or kill the fungi (fungicidal effect) (means against fungal diseases).
Classification
The classification of antimycotics (agents against fungal diseases) is based on the point of attack:
- Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis by allylamines, azoles and morpholines
- Disturbance of the membrane function by polyenes
- Antimetabolites like flucytosine
- Disturbance of the microtubules by griseofulvin
- Glucan synthesis inhibitors like Echinocandine
Medicines for fungal infections of the mouth
In case of a medically diagnosed fungal infection in the mouth and on the tongue, treatment with a remedy containing an anti-fungal agent should be performed. Miconazole or Nystatin are suitable in many cases. The medication should be taken for several days even after the symptoms have subsided to prevent the fungus from spreading again.
In addition, in many cases further measures are indicated to counteract a fungal infection. For example, patients with asthma who use a spray containing cortisone should rinse their mouth well after each application, as the cortisone in the mouth promotes the growth of the fungus. People with dentures should clean them thoroughly every evening and not have them in their mouth all the time, as they are also a common cause of fungal infections on the tongue or in the mouth.
In general, adequate oral hygiene should be ensured. Smoking and the consumption of alcohol and spicy foods should be avoided completely in the mouth in case of a fungal infection, as this also favors the spread of the fungus. Patients who have a very dry mouth, such as cancer patients after chemotherapy, can use a saliva substitute solution, which can also counteract a fungal infection.
