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Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, most often Candida albicans. It can appear almost anywhere on or in the body, though the mouth (thrush), genitals, skin folds, and nails are the most common sites. In hot, humid climates, skin and groin infections are especially prevalent.

Lomexin

Fenticonazole

600mg

Fenticonazole 600mg suppositories for vaginal candidiasis, an imidazole antifungal placed vaginally rather than taken by mouth.

From$13.64/ suppositoryView

Diflucan

Fluconazole

50 · 100 · 150 · 200mg

Fluconazole capsules and oral solution from 50mg to 200mg, used in the management of candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. A triazole antifungal.

From$1.16/ tabletView

Sporanox

Itraconazole

100mg

Itraconazole 100mg hard capsules, used for candidiasis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis and tinea. A triazole that blocks fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes.

From$5.00/ tabletView

Lomexin Cream

Fenticonazole

30g

Lomexin Cream is fenticonazole in a 30g tube for candidiasis, applied to the skin. It blocks ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane.

From$25.50/ tubeView

Key points

  • Candida yeast lives harmlessly on the skin until antibiotics, high blood sugar or a weakened immune system tip the balance in its favour.
  • Oral thrush is particularly common in infants, denture wearers and people using inhaled corticosteroids.
  • Fluconazole, taken orally or applied topically, is the standard azole treatment for vaginal and mouth infections.
  • Infection reaching the gullet or entering the bloodstream is a more serious picture that needs prompt assessment.

Where and why it flares

Candida lives harmlessly on most people’s skin and mucous membranes. It causes problems when local conditions shift in its favour: antibiotics that reduce competing bacteria, high blood sugar, prolonged moisture on the skin, or a weakened immune system. Vaginal candidiasis is common in women; oral thrush often affects infants, denture wearers, and people on inhaled corticosteroids; skin-fold infections are frequent in warmer months or after long periods in wet clothing.

Antifungal treatment options

Most candidiasis infections respond well to azole antifungals. Topical or oral fluconazole is widely used for vaginal and oral infections. Itraconazole covers a broader fungal spectrum and is often chosen for nail or resistant cases. Fenticonazole is available as a topical formulation suited to localised skin and vaginal infections. All three belong to the antifungals category; some topical options also appear under skin care.

Recurring infections warrant a closer look at the underlying cause rather than repeated treatment alone. Persistent or spreading candidiasis, particularly in the oesophagus or bloodstream, needs prompt medical assessment.

Further reading