The most inexpensive anti-fungal tablets for effective treatment

Do you want to find better tablets for skin fungus? Getting rid of such a problem quickly and forever is not at all easy. This is one of the most common diseases. It occurs in women and men. The first symptoms are sweating, itching and unpleasant odor of the feet. Most modern remedies temporarily hide symptoms, but do not completely eliminate the activity of fungal-like agents. What to choose so as not to harm your health and really achieve visible results?

For external use, try Exomin anti-fungal cream. This drug was developed by domestic specialists. It is most effective, which is confirmed by the results of clinical trials. It contains exceptional natural components that affect the cause of mycosis and develop immunity to it.

In what cases are tablets prescribed?

Fungal diseases, with the exception of the initial stage, require complex treatment, that is, a combination of external and internal agents. Tablets for mycotic infections of the skin and nails are selected for the patient individually, depending on the type of pathogen identified, the area of ​​the pathological process, the characteristics of the person’s health and the state of his immunity. It is almost impossible to take into account all these factors without the participation of a doctor.

The list of indications for prescribing antifungal drugs includes infections of the skin and nails, which are characterized by severe pathology with concomitant damage to internal organs. The tablets, entering the patient’s gastric tract, are actively absorbed by his tissues, enter the systemic bloodstream and are carried to the locations of mycosis pathogens. Concentrating in the foci of fungal infection, the active components of the drugs block the synthesis of protein fractions necessary for the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in their death.

To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, it is important to use antimycotics taken orally according to the frequency and dosage specified in the specialist’s prescriptions. Skipping medications reduces the effectiveness of treatment, as the concentration of active ingredients in the mycosis site decreases. If this happens, you must take the forgotten pill as quickly as possible, but under no circumstances double its dosage. Gross violations in compliance with the treatment regimen often lead to the development of microflora resistance to medications and relapse of the pathological process.

Over-the-counter medications

Inexpensive but effective antifungal foot ointments, varnishes or tablets for mycosis can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. But first you need to get tested and identify the pathogen.

The cheapest are:

1. Terbinafine ointment - the effect of the drug is due to the high concentration of terbinafine in it. The product is applied to the nails and the skin around them twice a day. Used until complete recovery and another two weeks after the disease has subsided. The price of such a product does not exceed 85 rubles.
2. Fluconazole tablets. Often used in the treatment of thrush in women, but they are also effective in the treatment of Candida fungus on the nails and skin. The dosage and duration of administration are determined by the doctor. One tablet costs no more than 50 rubles.
3. Nystatin ointment. The most popular remedy in the fight against skin diseases. Apply to the affected area twice a day. The course of therapy lasts at least 2 weeks, but the more precise time will be determined by the doctor. Cost - 70 rubles.

Which drug will be better is up to a specialist to decide. But you can try to stop the disease on your own and with available means. To do this, just buy inexpensive but effective antifungal drugs for skin and nails at the pharmacy.

Classification of antifungal drugs

Depending on the active components, all antimycotics are divided into the following three categories listed in the table.

Cheap analogues of expensive drugs

Inexpensive drugs against fungal infections differ from similar high-cost drugs in the presence of some impurities and lower quality of purification of active and auxiliary components. Here are some of the most inexpensive anti-fungal pills:

1. Nystatin. An antimycotic agent that is developed for drug therapy with fungi of the genus Aspergillus and Candida. It is available in several forms: tablets, rectal and vaginal suppositories and ointments. The advantage of the medicine is its low cost and speed of action, but the disadvantage is a wide list of contraindications for use.
2. Kanizon. Synthetic antimycotic. It is used for pityriasis versicolor, mycoses of the nail plates, skin, gastrointestinal tract, ear canal, etc. The advantage of the drug is the versatility of its use and low cost, and the disadvantage is poor interaction with pharmacological drugs of other groups (for example, antibiotics).
3. Atifin. A medicine to combat fungus, the main active ingredient of which is terbinafine hydrochloride. The drug is active against mycoses of the dermatophyte group. The advantage of the medication is its cost, the possibility of use in pregnant women and small children. The disadvantage of the drug is its narrow spectrum of action.

Review of effective drugs

Itraconazole A broad-spectrum medication that has a universal effect on known types of mycosis pathogens, including its rare forms. The remedy is prescribed for all types of fungal flora: dermatophytes, yeast and mold microorganisms.

The drug is not recommended for persons with chronic pathologies of the liver and kidneys. It is prescribed according to the so-called pulse therapy scheme:

• 7 days take 200 mg 2 times a day;
• 3 weeks break.

In general, 3 such courses are needed to help get rid of the advanced form of onychomycosis. If we are talking about treating skin fungus, then taking 2 courses of Itraconazole is quite enough.

Lamisil. The drug inhibits the fermentation of fungal flora, as a result of which their metabolism is disrupted and microorganisms inevitably die. The active substance of the drug is effective against dermatophytes.

Lamisil tablets are taken daily for 2 months. Only during this period will the drug help cope with the infection, especially when it comes to onychomycosis of the hands and feet. Since a long-term treatment regimen is provided, systemic side effects may develop, for example, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disorders.

Fluconazole (Diflucan). The drug is available in capsules. Most often it is prescribed for thrush in women, but it is also effective against nail fungus. Fluconazole is considered a gentle drug, since it is enough to take one capsule per week to treat mycotic infections. This excludes a pronounced systemic effect on the body.

The active components of Fluconazole are detected in plasma 1 hour after taking the capsule. If we are talking about the treatment of onychomycosis, then the concentration of the drug reaches 90% in the stratum corneum of the nail after 5 days from the start of therapy. From this day on, Fluconazole begins to actively destroy the cells of infectious agents.

Its effectiveness has been proven against all types of fungi - dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the pathological process and the state of the person’s immune system. On average, it takes from 6 to 12 months to fight onychomycosis. The drug should be continued until healthy nail plates grow back. In advanced cases, Fluconazole is prescribed daily, one capsule (50 mg) for 2–6 weeks.

Experts consider this medication to be a high-level safety product. There is no evidence of its negative effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys, as well as the hematopoietic organs. But in any case, it is undesirable for people with such disorders to take Fluconazole, in the presence of individual intolerance to the drug, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nystatin. A cheap product from the polyene group. Shows effectiveness against Candida type fungi localized on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract, skin and nails.

For onychomycosis, Nystatin is prescribed 1 tablet (200 mg) once a day. Treatment is continued until healthy nail tissue grows back. On average, the duration of therapy ranges from 6 to 12 months.

The drug has the only contraindication - hypersensitivity to its individual components. Adverse reactions develop extremely rarely, since Nystatin derivatives are practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation. These include: gastrointestinal disorders, hyperthermia and allergies.

Currently, the drug has been discontinued; it is recommended to replace it with analogues, for example, oral tablets Lamisil, Ketoconazole.

Terbinafine. A systemic antifungal agent that is effective against dermatophytes and yeast-like microorganisms. To combat onychomycosis, the drug is prescribed 1 tablet once a day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the pathological process and the type of pathogen.

Terbinafine is not recommended for use by persons with individual hypersensitivity to its components.

Irunin. An effective drug for systemic infections, which can be used to treat not only nail fungus, but also skin and mucous membranes affected by mycosis. The medication is prescribed according to the regimen - 1 capsule per day for 15 days.

Irunin is not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, the medicine is not contraindicated for people with diabetes.

Exiter. Fungicidal drug based on terbinafine. The product dissolves the membrane of mycosis pathogens, causing their death. Shows activity against all types of fungi.

The drug is prescribed 1 tablet per day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the pathological process. Treatment of onychomycosis involves taking Exitera daily for several months until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

The drug has restrictions for use in expectant and nursing mothers, as well as in the elderly.

Orungal. A systemic antimycotic, which is recommended for use in complicated cases of fungal disease, mycotic infections of the skin and nails, and vaginal candidiasis in women.

The drug is prescribed according to the following regimen: 1 tablet 2 times a day for 7 days.

Orungal is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, heart and vascular diseases, hypersensitivity to the medication. While taking it, tissue swelling and disorders in the functioning of the digestive system may develop.

Lamicon. The drug is based on terbinafine, a substance active in the fight against fungal diseases of the skin, nails and scalp. The tablets are taken once a day until the symptoms of onychomycosis disappear.

It is not recommended to take Lamikon during pregnancy and lactation, or if you are allergic to the drug.

Exifin. A drug based on terbinafine, which has a wide spectrum of action. Tablets are prescribed once a day for 2–12 weeks, depending on the severity of the pathological process.

Adverse reactions to Exifin include headaches and nausea, which can be eliminated by taking sorbents, for example, Activated Carbon. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pimafucin. Affordable and effective tablets that have a wide spectrum of action. It is recommended to use them in combination with local remedies, for example, Pimafucin cream of the same name. The drug should be taken 1 tablet 4 times a day for 2–3 months.

The medicine is contraindicated in case of an allergic reaction to its components. Pimafucin is prescribed with caution to expectant and nursing mothers and people with diabetes. Among the side effects of the medication are gastrointestinal disorders that go away on their own, without symptomatic treatment.

Griseofulvin. The pharmacological effect of this drug differs from other oral antimycotics. In addition to the death of fungal microflora by destroying DNA synthesis, the product causes the death of the affected areas, which are subsequently replaced by healthy tissues. Thus, Griseofulvin heals the nail and makes it resistant to the possible introduction of fungus in the future.

The drug is prescribed orally at a dosage of 500,000 units per day. If we are talking about an advanced form of onychomycosis, the volume of medication is doubled. The disease is fought for at least 6–12 months. Recently, Griseofulvin has been prescribed less and less due to its pronounced toxic effect on the body.

Thermikon. In the fight against nail and skin fungus, the drug is prescribed in tablet form. The drug is taken according to the regimen - 250 mg or one pill per day. The course of treatment depends on the neglect of a particular case until the signs of onychomycosis disappear. On average, this takes about 3 months.

Additionally, it is recommended to use antifungal ointments and sprays that enhance the effect of Thermikon externally.

Furacilin. A drug known for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. For onychomycosis, it is used in the form of an aqueous solution, that is, the oral route of taking the medication is excluded.

To prepare the remedy, 2 tablets of Furacilin are dissolved in 200 ml of purified water, heated to a temperature of 40°C. The resulting composition is used for baths, where the affected parts of the body - hands or feet - are immersed. The product reduces the manifestations of inflammation in the focus of onychomycosis, destroys pathogenic microflora, and accelerates recovery.

A negative reaction to this procedure is an allergy, which goes away after discontinuation of the drug. Local use of Furacilin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its active components.

The following two products are included in this list because many people believe that they come in tablet form - this is not the case. However, their use is no less effective with an integrated approach.

Exoderil. For nail fungus on the toes and hands, there are no tablets with this name. To combat onychomycosis, a solution is used that is most convenient for treating the foot.

Exoderil is based on naftifine hydrochloride, which has the ability to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and nail fold, creating a pronounced fungicidal effect. Additionally, the medication provides an anti-inflammatory and symptomatic effect in the affected area, relieving the patient of itching, burning and redness.

Exoderil in the form of a cream is applied to nails, previously steamed in a bath and cleaned of excess stratum corneum. The recommended course of treatment is 6–8 months. Elderly people have to use the medication for up to one and a half years. However, it is not advisable to stop there - after the signs of onychomycosis disappear, the use of Exoderil should be continued for another 4 weeks to avoid relapse of the infection.

Clotrimazole. The list of tablets intended for nail fungus cannot be called modest, but this drug is not included in this list. Clotrimazole is available in the form of ointments that effectively cope with mycoses of the skin and nails.

The drug is applied to the foci of onychomycosis 2 times a day until the affected tissues are completely replaced with healthy ones. The effectiveness of the product is due to imidazole, a substance that inhibits the production of ergosterol, which provokes the inevitable death of the fungus.

How to choose effective tablets

Antimycotic drug against all types of skin fungus

All effective tablets for fungus on the legs or skin have a toxic effect on the liver and the patient’s body as a whole, so they are used only when absolutely necessary, and during use they do not deviate from the regimen prescribed by the attending physician. In severe situations, when treating Cryptococci or Microsporum, it is necessary to undergo a long course of treatment (from 6 months to a year), and for onychomycosis, ointments or drops must be used in parallel with tablets. Only such combination therapy will bring a positive result. It is important to remember that systemic medications should not be taken during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or during exacerbation of kidney and liver diseases.

Effective tablets against nail fungus are those that belong to the group of azoles or allylamines. The active substance accumulates in the keratin of the nail plate and acts for another 10-14 days after stopping treatment.

• Rumicosis (on itraconazole, a representative of azoles) - prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding, has a wide range of applications, affects dermatophytes and yeast. The only contraindications include hypersensitivity to the composition.
• Terbinafine (allylamine) has a minimal number of side effects and is well tolerated. These fungal remedies are considered most effective when used against Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Trichophyton.

The bulk of antimycotic drugs act on all types of skin fungus, so choosing tablets for the treatment of this disease is easier than for the treatment of candidiasis or onychomycosis. When prescribing therapy for skin fungus, doctors recommend treatment with the following drugs:

• Nizoral (azole) is especially effective against lichen on the scalp, although it can also be prescribed as a remedy for fungus on the legs. The downside is high toxicity.
• Griseofulvin (antibiotic) - requires administration with fish oil or olive oil; during treatment, the use of vitamin complexes is mandatory. It rarely causes adverse reactions, but has a large number of contraindications.

Fungus of the mucous membranes is well destroyed by drugs from the polyene group, but some doctors still prefer to prescribe azoles, which have a wider spectrum of action in systemic treatment. List of effective medications in this case:

• Amphotericin B - prescribed for severe forms of fungal diseases, effective against leishmania and amoebae, histoplasma. Cannot be used for diabetes, liver and kidney problems.
• Natamycin - affects candida and trichomonas, is considered the safest of all polyenes, having a minimum number of contraindications and side effects.
• Vfend - based on voriconazole, an antibiotic with a triazole structure, works well in the treatment of candidiasis and asperigillosis, histoplasmosis. Causes a large number of adverse reactions and requires caution when combined with other medications.

Tablets for skin fungus

In recent years, the number of people with dermatomycosis has been increasing. The development of infection is facilitated by unfavorable environmental conditions, lifestyle and much more. If you experience symptoms such as itching, spots and swelling on the skin, you should immediately consult a dermatologist.

The specialist will conduct a standard examination, prescribe a series of tests, with the help of which the causative agent of the disease will be identified and medications in the form of ointments, sprays and tablets will be selected for it. How do systemic oral antifungals work in this case?

The purpose of any antimycotic is to prevent the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms and create conditions for their death. This mechanism of action is carried out by blocking enzymes in the cellular structures of mycospores. Let's look at the main medications for skin fungus.

• Griseofulvin. Effective against mycosis of the skin, nails and scalp (dandruff, seborrhea). For dermatomycosis, the drug is taken according to the formula: 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. The duration of therapy depends on the diagnosis and health status of the patient.
• Ketoconazole. An antifungal drug used in the fight against mycoses of the skin, internal organs, mucous membranes, nails and hair. For dermatomycosis, 1 tablet per day is prescribed. The course of treatment depends on the diagnosis and the severity of the pathological process.

• Fluconazole (Diflucan). Fights fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, including among patients with HIV and AIDS, during radiation therapy for cancer conditions. Recommended regimen: 1 tablet per day in a dosage of 50 to 400 mg, depending on the severity of the pathology.
• Nystatin. An antifungal agent aimed at eliminating diseases caused by the Candida pathogen. The drug is prescribed at a dose of 500,000 units 3 times a day. The duration of therapy depends on the diagnosis.
• Terbinafine (Lamisil, Lamican). The antimycotic successfully fights mycoses of the skin, nails and hair. Effective against all known pathogens of fungal infections. For dermatomycosis, 1 tablet is prescribed 1-2 times a day, depending on the severity of the pathological process.

What is a fungus

Mycosis, or fungus, is an infectious disease that affects the skin, nails or mucous membranes of a person. The disease is caused by pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms – fungi. Clinical symptoms and manifestations will vary depending on which area the pathogen affects. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is one of the most common diseases in which the nail plate:

• turns yellow;
• thickens;
• becomes fragile;
• becomes covered with cracks and crumbles.

Mycoses of the skin and mucous membranes are, as a rule, a secondary pathology, i.e. develops against the background of an underlying disease (for example, human immunodeficiency virus or diabetes mellitus). Such diseases are chronic in nature with periodic exacerbations. Standard symptoms of the disease: itching, hyperemia, dryness, peeling of the skin. The following medications are used to effectively treat mycoses:

1. local action (creams, ointments, suppositories);
2. systemic action (tablets, capsules).

Price of drugs

Fungal diseases are quite common, and their treatment varies in duration. The minimum course of systemic therapy for mycosis of nails and skin is from 6 weeks to 6 months. It cannot be interrupted to avoid the development of resistance in pathogens and relapse of the pathology. Therefore, it is important to know in advance how much treatment will cost, since not all antimycotics are cheap.

Let’s conduct a comparative analysis of their price category in the table and find out which tablets for existing nail fungus can be called inexpensive but effective.

According to the table, Lamisil and Orungal are considered the most expensive drugs aimed at combating fungal infections of the skin and nails. Griseovulfine and Ketoconazole will help you save your budget.

But the cost of drugs cannot be compared with their effectiveness. It is enough to note that Lamisil destroys pathogenic microflora in 97% of clinical cases, while Griseovulfine is not recommended for use due to increased toxicity, and Ketoconazole has a narrow spectrum of action. Therefore, savings should be reasonable, taking into account the existing diagnosis and prescriptions of the attending physician.

Price

The cost of the cheapest anti-fungal tablets depends on the degree of purification of the active ingredients. The price of drugs may be influenced by the region or pharmacy in which they are sold. The manufacturer can set the price unilaterally. Tablets for skin and nail fungus can be ordered in advance or purchased in an online store from a catalog of products, after reading reviews about these pharmacological drugs.

Is it possible to fight onychomycosis without pills?

In most cases this is not feasible. The fact is that visible signs of nail damage appear at advanced stages of the disease; in this case, the lack of a systematic approach will lead to long-term local treatment with minimal external improvements to the problem.

Therefore, if the disease no longer corresponds to the initial stage, the affected area is extensive and the pathological process develops quickly - it is necessary to use systemic antimycotics to successfully get rid of the disease.

What folk remedies help with scalp fungus?

Folk remedies can be used to treat scalp fungus in the initial stages of its development. The simplest remedy is prepared from two liters of water, a spoon of soda and the same amount of ammonia. You need to rinse your hair with this liquid every 2-3 days.

Treatment of fungus with salt and iodine is an old, proven remedy; we talked about it on our website.

Masks against scalp fungus are very helpful. You will need 2 glasses of water and 50 g of peppermint. Boil over low heat for ten minutes and then strain. After cooling, add three tablespoons of carrot juice, a spoonful of lemon juice and the same amount of vinegar to the broth. This product should be rubbed into the scalp after washing and left for half an hour or an hour, and then rinsed with warm water.

Essential oils are also good folk remedies for scalp fungus. Tea tree, rosemary, cedar and lemon oils are especially good against fungus. You need to rub the oil into your scalp every day before going to bed, and wash your hair with antifungal shampoo in the morning.

Pros and cons of tablets

Like any medications, medications for nail and skin fungus have their positive and negative sides. What are they?

Strengths. When taking antimycotics orally, the drug enters the digestive tract, is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream and begins its action from the inside. Therefore, in this case, it works purposefully and effectively against a wide range of pathogens, in contrast to local drugs.

All types of fungal infections fall under the influence of the tablets - both those that have managed to manifest themselves externally on the surface of the skin and nails, and those that “dormant” in the body and make themselves felt by relapses of the pathological process against the background of weakened immunity. External medications cannot do this.

Minuses. But in addition to the undeniable advantages, tablets have one significant drawback. When taking them internally, the result should be expected a little later. The pharmacological effect does not occur so quickly, since oral medications need time to accumulate in the required concentration at the site of the lesion, only after which they begin to work. In comparison, local ointments and gels begin to show their activity almost instantly.

List of tablets against nail fungus

Terbinafine is an effective drug for nail fungus

A lot of people have experienced what it means to suffer from fungus on their feet and hands, when the nails begin to peel, turn yellow, become rough and emit an unpleasant odor even after repeated washing. These symptoms indicate the development of onychomycosis and cause a lot of discomfort, preventing the patient from living a full life. To get rid of this problem, you need to visit a doctor and start treatment immediately. The list of the most effective drugs for nail fungus includes:

• Lamisil;
• Orungal;
• Intraconazole;
• Fluconazole;
• Terbinafine.

Side effects and contraindications

Oral medications for mycotic infections are not prescribed in the following cases:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• children under 5 years of age;
• individual hypersensitivity to individual components of the selected drug.

Antifungal tablets are recommended to be taken with caution by people with immune problems, the elderly and those suffering from diabetes.

All systemic drugs cause negative reactions. They have a certain effect on the body, which can lead to the development of side effects, in particular, disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. The most harmless side effects are headaches, nausea and diarrhea.

Fund groups

Below we will briefly look at groups of drugs for treating fungal infections.

Polyenes

Preparations of natural origin are used as antimycotics. Nystatin, natamycin, amphotericin, and other levorin polyenes may have fungicidal and fungistatic effects. The nature of the effect is determined by the concentration of the substance.

Polyenes bind to ergosterol, which is part of the fungal cell membrane, which disrupts the integrity of the membrane and leads to cell death. The group has the widest scope among others.

Azoles

Synthetic antimycotics, including drugs for systemic and local use. For the most part, azoles are fungistatic drugs. They slow down the action of cytochrome p-450-dependent 14-alpha demethylase involved in the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, that is, azoles prevent the development of fungal membranes.

When high concentrations are used against a certain number of fungi, a fungicidal effect may occur. Azoles are representatives of a broad spectrum of antifungal activity.

Alliamines

A group of synthetic antibiotics whose mechanism of action is based on fungicide. Drugs can disrupt the production of ergosterol, blocking biosynthesis at earlier stages. Alliamines have a wide range of action.

Dermatomycetes (Epidermophyton spp., Trichophyton spp., Micro-sporum spp.), M.furfur, candida, aspergillus, blastomycetes, cryptococcus, sporothrix, causative agents of chromomycosis are susceptible to the harmful effects.

Despite the large area of ​​action of allylamines, only their effect on fungi that provoke dermatomycosis has a clinical role.

Echinocandins

Antifungal drugs that block the production of protein structures in the cell wall of fungi. The drugs of the group have fungicidal properties against most species of the genus Candida, while Cryptococcus, Trichosporon and Rhodotorula are not affected.

They exhibit an inhibitory effect against some forms of Aspergillus (but not Fusarium and Rhizopus), dimorphic fungi (Blastomyces and Histoplasma).

Pyrimidines

A group of fungicides with a significant area of ​​action. Currently, further study of the effect of pyrimidine derivatives on the growth of mycobacterial strains is ongoing.

Flucytosine is a fluorinated pyrimidine and is used to treat some systemic mycoses. The action of the drug is aimed at disrupting protein synthesis in fungal cells, thereby providing fungistatic activity.

A derivative of pyrimidine bases, the fluorine-containing azole antimycotic, voriconazole, has proven effective. The drug is active against most pathogens of candidiasis, aspergillosis, as well as fungi characterized by low sensitivity and resistance to antimycotics, causing systemic mycoses.

Grizans

Grizans are able to bind to the protein structures of fungal cells, disrupting protein synthesis, destroying DNA and RNA. Grizans inhibit the transport of nutrients within the fungal cell.

For children

For children, antifungal agents are selected based on the pathogen that caused the disease and the location of the affected area. The age of the child requires strict determination of the dose of the drug chosen for treatment. All agents are capable of having an effect that destroys or inhibits the development of fungi, which depends on the concentration of the drug and its mechanism of action.

Antimycotics in the form of solutions, suppositories, tablets, ointments, and capsules are suitable for children. Prescription of drugs is carried out depending on the stage of the disease. Topical preparations include bathing products, creams, ointments, and aerosols.

Almost all of them are produced on the basis of imidazole, triazole, and alliamine derivatives. Preparations in this group have a fungicidal effect, destroying the cell membrane of the fungus. The most effective drugs are in the treatment of lichen versicolor, dermatophytosis, and candidiasis.

When treating fungus on nails, varnish is effective. The effect of the varnish is detrimental to the parasite and is based on the formation of a film on the surface that blocks oxygen. Varnishes are represented by the following products: Demicten, Mikozan, Belvedere, Batrafen. The nail plate must be cleaned and polished before using the preparations.

Ointments, creams, sprays, and drops based on azoles based on allylamines can also be used. In the severe phase of fungal infection, local therapy is added to systemic therapy. When antibiotics are used orally or intravenously, the likelihood of side effects increases.

For children, medications must be selected very carefully and used exclusively according to a doctor’s regimen based on diagnosis. Extreme cases of the disease involve the administration of an antifungal antibiotic. Its role can be played by natamycin suspension, which is part of the group of polyenes.

For children over 1 year of age, the range of drugs is limited. Treatment is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, using approved medications. If symptoms and fungal diseases are detected in a child, you should not self-treat. You should not delay seeing a doctor; fungal diseases tend to spread quickly.

Are all products suitable for children, pregnant and lactating women?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding exclude the use of systemic antifungal drugs. The active components of these drugs penetrate the placental barrier into breast milk and can harm the baby. Therefore, during such a crucial period for a woman, oral medications should be abandoned or treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Children under 5 years of age are also not recommended to take systemic medications unless prescribed by a specialist. Fortunately, onychomycosis in young patients is quite rare.

Oral medications

Taking pills to treat foot and nail fungus is considered the most effective and reliable method of therapy. But the drug should be selected under the supervision of a doctor based on the main causative agent of the disease.

Inexpensive but effective antifungal tablets can be purchased at the pharmacy. Most often they are created on the basis of the same active ingredients that are used in creams and ointments:

• The active ingredient is terbinafine. Tablets based on it are required to take 250 mg daily, unless the doctor recommends a different dosage. The medicine is taken at the same time every day, without skipping. The course of therapy is at least 4 weeks.
• Products containing itraconazole are used using the “pulse therapy” method. The tablets are taken twice a day, with at least 12 hours between doses. The medicine is drunk after meals - it has a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. It is recommended to drink with acidified water or apple juice to increase bioavailability. Take the course for a week, break for three weeks, repeat the course of treatment. For complete cure, at least five such approaches are required.
• Fluconazole is most often used to treat candidiasis. The drug, 150 mg, is taken twice a day for 2 months.

But the tablets should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. At this time, you should give preference to ointments or varnishes.

Fungus prevention

An important point in the prevention of fungal diseases is compliance with hygiene rules, which include regular hand washing and washing the body with warm water. Fungal cells develop in a neutral or slightly alkaline environment. Sweating in hard-to-reach areas encourages fungal growth. It is necessary to take air baths along with water procedures, allowing the skin to breathe.

You should not walk barefoot in public places or take a shower after swimming in the pool or public baths. It is necessary to minimize the use of synthetic underwear, tights, and socks. It is important to follow a diet that excludes or contains little light carbohydrates in the diet (refined sugar, refined oils, baked goods, sweet fruits, starchy foods).