Sometimes your skin gets red, itchy, and flaky, right? Especially in the folds of your body, in your groin, or between your toes. These can often be fungal infections. So when you go to see a doctor at a time like this, he or she may give you a cream or ointment called `Nystatin`. So today, let's talk about how to use this medicine exactly and what things to be careful about.
What is Nystatin?
Simply put, Nystatin is an antifungal. That is, a medicine that treats skin infections caused by fungi or yeast. It belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals.
It is very important to note that this medicine only works for fungal infections . It does not cure diseases caused by bacteria or viruses. Therefore, do not use such medicines without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, there are a few things you should tell him.
- If you have any allergies, not just to Nystatin, but to any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to mention it.
- If you have burns or large areas of damage to your skin.
- If you are a pregnant woman or are hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- This is only to be applied to the skin . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to an infection on your hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Do not let it get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- The most important thing is to use it for the exact number of days your doctor tells you to. Sometimes you'll feel better in two or three days. But don't stop taking it just because you feel like it. If you stop, the infection may come back.
- Apply the medicine as a thin film, covering the infected area.
- If you want, you can cover the area with a piece of sterile gauze. But do not cover it with an airtight bandage, such as plastic wrap, because fungus thrives in moist, air-tight environments.
- Special care is needed when giving this medicine to young children, so talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
Take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, take it only at that time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
If you take care of a few small things on your part while using this medicine, you can recover quickly.
- Keep your skin dry: After bathing, dry your skin thoroughly, especially the folds of your body. Fungus loves moisture.
- Clothing: Wear cotton clothes that absorb sweat as much as possible. Synthetic clothes like nylon and rayon do not absorb sweat, so there is a greater chance of fungus growing.
- Jock Itch: Avoid wearing tight underwear. Wear loose-fitting underwear made of cotton. Dry the area thoroughly after bathing.
- Athlete's Foot: This is also called 'athlete's foot' among our people. After bathing, dry the soles of the feet well, especially between the toes. Wear cotton socks, and change your socks at least once a day. Wear well-ventilated shoes or sandals. You can also apply something like talcum powder to keep the skin dry.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Nystatin can cause minor side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Excessive skin reactions | Excessive inflammation, itching, peeling or crusting of the skin at the site of application. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor inconveniences | Mild inflammation or discomfort at the injection site. |
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat or freezing cold.
- Discard expired medication.
The most important thing is that the doctor prescribed this medicine only for you . So do not share it with others. Even if someone has the same symptoms as you, it could be due to a different cause.
Take-Home Message
- Nystatin is a medication that is only used to treat fungal infections. It does not work for bacterial or viral infections.
- Use the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms have subsided.
- Always keep the infected area clean and dry. Wear sweat-wicking clothing, such as cotton.
- Talk to your doctor before applying any other cream or medication to your skin.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms such as skin rash or swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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