The treatment of the Candidiasis, an infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, varies from one kind of candidal infection to another. The kind of treatment to be administered largely depends on the underlying illness of the patient, the ability of the patient's immune system to resist diseases, and the risk factors for the candidal infection.
Identifying the particular group of Candida fungi causing the infection is important before deciding what kind of treatment should be given to the patient. In some instances, the Candida fungi causing the infection are resistant to certain antifungal drugs such as azoles (Candida glabrata), amphotericin B (Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae and Candida krusei), ketoconazole (Candida krusei), fluconazole (Candida krusei) and itraconazole (Candida krusei).
The location of the infection is also identified first before any kind of treatment is given. Cutaneous candidiasis (skin infection) is usually treated with topical anti-fungal drugs these are in forms of ointments, lotions or creams.
Paronychia candidiasis, the infection of the area around the nails and the nail bed is treated primarily by removing the pus in the infected area. In addition, the patient is given antifungal drugs, particularly fluconazole drugs or itraconazole drugs.
Infection of the nail, also known as Onychomycosis, is best treated through oral medication. The doctor either prescribes a lower dosage of antifungal drug, which the patient has to take daily in a period of three to six months, or prescribes a higher dosage of antifungal drug, which the patient has to take for seven consecutive days. After the seventh day, the patient takes a three-week break from the antifungal therapy and then takes the drug again for seven days. He does this monthly for a period of three to six months, depending on the severity of the candidal infection.
Gastrointestinal candidiasis are treated either by topical or systemic oral antifungal drugs like nystatin and amphotericin B. systemic oral drugs are those taken orally but once inside, the drug travel through the bloodstream towards the infected cells, tissues and organs in the body. Patients with HIV usually do not respond well to the therapy; thus, in most cases, the infection recurs after the medication.
Patients suffering from candidal infection of the esophagus usually find it hard to swallow, so instead of taking oral medications., the doctor recommends parenteral therapy, way of administering drugs not through the digestive system but through transfusion (intravenous), injection through the skin (subcutaneous) or injection of the drug into the muscle (intramuscular).
Infection of the genital and urinary organs are managed also with topical drugs or single-dosage of fluconazole that is taken orally. The latter is recommended for acute cases of VVC (Vulvovaginal candidiasis) by most doctors instead of topical antifungal drugs as it is more efficient.
For chronic vaginal candidiasis, long-term oral antifungal therapy is required. The doctor usually prescribes fluconazole drug for a maximum of six-month treatment.
Kidney infection, also known as Renal Candidiasis, typically requires systemic antifungal drug therapy. About 400 to 800 milligrams per day of Fluconazole drugs are given, depending on the severity of the infection. The drug is taken orally or intravenously.
In cases wherein the Candida fungi that causes the infection are not susceptible to the drugs taken by the patient, higher doses of antifungal drugs are given. Aside from the high-dosage oral antifungal drug taken by the patient daily, other antifungal agents are also administered intravenously.
Invasive candidiasis, which affects one or more organs in the body may require surgical removal of the infected tissue or organ and of the source of infection such as a catheter.
Charlene Nuble
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women's issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Symptoms of Candida
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