Candidiasis : Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any species from the genus Candida (one genus of yeasts). Candida albicans is the most common agent of Candidiasis in humans. Also commonly referred to as a yeast infection, candidiasis is also technically known as candidosis, moniliasis, and oidiomycosis. Candidiasis encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush andvaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases. Candida infections of the latter category are also referred to as candidemia or invasive candidiasis, and are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons, such as cancer, transplant, and AIDSpatients, as well as nontrauma emergency surgery patients Superficial infections of skin and mucosal membranes by Candida causing local inflammation and discomfort are common in many human populations. While clearly attributable to the presence of the opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, candidiasis describes a number of different disease syndromes that often differ in their causes and outcomes. Treatment Candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics; these antifungal drugs include topical clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, and topical ketoconazole. For vaginal yeast infection in pregnancy, topical imidazole or triazole antifungal is considered as safest drug


Dermatophytosis : Dermatophytosis (tinea) infections are fungal infections caused by dermatophytes - a group of fungi that invade and grow in dead keratin. Several species commonly invade human keratin and these belong to the Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton genera. They tend to grow outwards on skin producing a ring-like pattern - hence the term 'ringworm'. They are very common and affect different parts of the body. They can usually be successfully treated but success depends on the site of infection and on compliance with treatment. Treatment Ringworm infection can affect the scalp (tinea capitis), body (tinea corporis), groin (tinea cruris), hand (tinea manuum), foot (tinea pedis, athlete’s foot), or nail (tinea unguium). Scalp infection requires systemic treatment additional topical application of an antifungal may reduce the risk of transmission. Most other local ringworm infections can be treated adequately with topical antifungal preparations The imidazole antifungals clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole are all effective. Terbinafine cream is also effective but it is more expensive. Other topical antifungals include amorolfine, griseofulvin, and the undecenoates. Compound benzoic acid ointment (Whitfield’s ointment) has been used for ringworm infections but it is cosmetically less acceptable than proprietary preparations. Topical preparations for athlete’s foot containing tolnaftate are on sale to the public. Antifungal dusting powders are of little therapeutic value in the treatment of fungal skin infections and may cause skin irritation; they may have some role in preventing re-infection. Tinea infection of the nail is almost always treated systemically topical application of amorolfine or tioconazole may be effective for treating early onychomycosis when involvement is limited to mild distal disease in up to 2 nails


Vulvovaginal candidiasis : Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the name often given to Candida albicans infection of the vagina associated with a dermatitis of the vulva (an itchy rash). ‘Vaginal thrush’, ‘monilia’, and vulvovaginal candidosis are also names used for Candida albicans infection. symptoms Symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis, i.e., an overgrowth of Candida albicans, include: ? Itching, soreness and/or burning discomfort in the vagina and vulva ? Heavy white curd-like vaginal discharge ? Bright red rash affecting inner and outer parts of the vulva, sometimes spreading widely in the groin to include pubic areas, inguinal areas and thighs. These may last just a few hours or persist for days, weeks, or rarely, months. Vulvovaginal candidiasis may recur just before each menstrual cycle . Treatment Appropriate treatment for Candida albicans infection can be obtained without prescription from a chemist. There are a variety of effective treatments for candidiasis. Topical antifungal pessaries or vaginal tablets containing clotrimazole or miconazole are usually recommended – in mild cases a single treatment is all that is necessary. A cream formulation may be preferred. Oral antifungal medicines containing fluconazole or itraconazole may be used if Candida albicans infection is severe or recurrent. The creams can be used safely in pregnancy, but the tablets are best avoided. Not all genital complaints are due to candida, so if treatment is unsuccessful it may because of another reason for the symptoms.