Treatment/Therapy

Fungal infections (mycoses) of the skin are usually treated locally with so-called antimycotics (=”antifungal agents”). The available creams and solutions contain active ingredients that are effective against either dermatophytes or yeasts. Tolnaftat, for example, is effective against dermatophytes alone.

Ointments containing nystatin help in the case of candidosis. Amphotericin B can also be used in severe cases. In order to act simultaneously against dermatophytes, yeasts and some bacteria, there are now also broad-spectrum antifungals (e.g. clotrimazole, terbinafine or ketoconazole).

In the case of a severe and long-lasting fungal infection, systemic antifungal therapy may also be necessary. This means that medication must be taken by mouth or given through the vein. This therapy is always combined with local therapy. In this way, the side effects of systemic therapy are kept as low as possible. For the systemic therapy itraconazole or fluconazole are suitable drugs.

How contagious is a groin fungus?

Groin fungus is caused by fungi that are normally permanently present on our human skin. The development of a fungal infection of the skin is related to the fact that our immune system is weakened by other diseases, drugs or similar. Whoever has a fungal infection should therefore stay away from people who are in such a weakened state. For all other healthy people there is no great danger of infection.

Which ointments and creams help against inguinal fungus?

In the case of drugs against inguinal mycosis, care must be taken to ensure that they contain a so-called antimycotic agent. This means that the corresponding solutions or creams are effective against fungi. Since not every active ingredient is effective against all types of fungi (for the inguinal fungus, yeasts and dermatophytes are particularly suitable), a pathogen diagnosis should be carried out beforehand if possible.

Thus, the active agent contained in the creams is the most important factor. As soon as the active agent is known, pharmacists can help very well. Tolnaftat for example is effective against dermatophytes and is contained in creams like “Tinatox”.

Nystatin is another active ingredient and the cream of the same name can be used for yeast infections. Canesten® belongs to the group of local antimycotics. It contains the active ingredient bifonazole.

Bifonazole is a so-called broad spectrum antifungal, which means that it is effective against almost all known fungi. Infections with dermatophytes, yeasts and molds are covered. Canesten® is only suitable for local application.

Lamisil® contains the antimycotic active ingredient Terbinafine. It acts by disrupting the structure of the vital cell membrane of fungi. Lamisil® is available in tablet form for oral uptake (=uptake by mouth).

However, the active ingredient is also available as a cream and can thus be applied directly to the affected skin area. Local application is preferable for fungal infections of the skin. It should be noted that the active ingredient Terbinafine can only be used reliably against an infection with dermatophytes. Should the cause of the inguinal fungus also be an infection by yeasts, such as Candida albicans, another preparation should be used. Unfortunately, the drug is considered to be poorly tolerated.