Antifungal ointment is a topical medication designed to treat fungal infections. Basic antifungals are often available at drug stores to treat infections caused by common fungi like those in the genus Trichophyton, which cause athlete's foot. For more rare or persistent conditions, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. The dermatologist can take a sample to determine which fungus is causing the infection and prescribe an appropriate medication.
Fungal infections can happen in people of all ages. People may be occupationally exposed to fungus, pick fungus up from someone at a gym or other shared environment, or have compromised immune systems which make them vulnerable to spores in the air. Fungi tend to like warm, moist environments, and infections are common in the armpits, groin, and between the toes for this reason.
Someone with a fungal infection can develop different symptoms, depending on the organism responsible. Most people feel itchy and may become sore. The skin can crack and bleed, become discolored, or scurf off. Fungal infections may also cause rashes as the skin reacts to the fungus, and colorful discharges can develop when the immune system tries to fight back.
Applying an antifungal ointment will kill the fungus. This allows the skin to heal, expelling the dead fungus and repairing any cracks and pits which may have developed during the course of the infection. The ointment may be blended with compounds which reduce inflammation so that the skin will feel less irritated. Some ointments also include moisturizers to soothe cracked and dry skin.
A generic antifungal ointment is formulated to address common types of fungi, such as those responsible for causing athlete's foot and jock itch. Not all fungi will respond universally, however. For rare fungal infections, a specially formulated ointment may be necessary to kill the fungi. If an infection does not respond to an antifungal ointment, a dermatologist should be consulted, and the packaging for the ointment should be brought in so that the doctor knows what did not work during the first round of treatment.
Certain ointments can lead to skin irritation. If a patient notices that the skin appears red or sore after ointment is applied, it may be necessary to try a different formulation to kill the fungus without hurting the skin. All medications should be kept out of reach of children and pets, and certain medications may be specifically dangerous for non-human animals. Households with pets should ask if a particular antifungal ointment poses a risk to animals in the house.