Antifungals - Topical: Nursing pharmacology

Definitions & Key takeaways

Topical antifungals are medications that are applied directly to the skin or nails to treat fungal infections. They work by killing or stopping the growth of fungi that cause infections.

Topical antifungal medications are available in various forms, including creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and powders. Commonly used topical antifungals include nystatin, tavaborole, ciclopirox, and azoles like ketoconazole, miconazole, econazole, and efinaconazole.

Topical antifungal medications are used to treat different skin infections including tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and pityriasis versicolor.Topical antifungals are generally safe and well-tolerated, and side effects are uncommon. However, some people may experience mild to moderate side effects, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and discoloration of skin, hair or nails.

Chapters:

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Introduction0:00–0:23

Topical antifungals are medications used to treat cutaneous fungal infections, which are conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails, and can be caused by a variety of fungi, such as Candida albicans or dermatophytes.The most commonly used topical antifungals include nystatin, tavaborole, ciclopirox, and azoles like ketoconazole, miconazole, econazole, and efinaconazole.

Topical antifungals0:23–0:49

These medications are applied topically on the affected skin, in the form of ointments, creams, gels, or foams.Once administered, topical antifungals work by disrupting and damaging the fungal cell membranes, ultimately resulting in a fungistatic action, meaning that they stop fungal growth, or a fungicidal action, meaning they kill the fungi.As far as side effects go, topical administration of antifungals can cause the development of a skin rash, as well as itching, and burning of the skin area.

Mechanism of action0:49–1:10

Side effects1:10–1:31

Additionally, some clients may present with serious hypersensitivity reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Fortunately, there are no major contraindications for the use of topical antifungals.Alright, when caring for a client that is prescribed a topical antifungal medication like ketoconazole, first assess the affected skin area, making note of the presence of moist, red patches, papules, pustules, and discharge, as well as itching, burning, and pain.

Contraindications & cautions1:31–1:37

Nursing considerations & Client education1:37–3:37

Then, review recent laboratory test results, including results from skin scrapings.Next, be sure to teach your client how the prescribed medication can help treat their cutaneous fungal infection.
Remind them that the medication is for topical use only, and not for ophthalmic, oral, or vaginal use. Then, show them how to clean the affected area with mild soap and water, and then thoroughly dry by gently patting with a clean towel.
Next, teach your client to wash their hands and apply the antifungal cream in a thin layer, exactly as directed. Lastly, instruct your client to wash their hands after application.
In terms of side effects, teach your clients that the medication is not absorbed into the body to a significant degree, so there are few systemic side effects.
Instead, let them know they might experience local skin irritation, burning, or rash at the application site, and prompt them to notify their healthcare provider if these side effects increase or if the infection worsens despite treatment.Finally, when caring for a client that’s been prescribed a topical antifungal medication, be sure to monitor for potential side effects, assess their understanding of the medication and how to apply it, and evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication, including resolution of the skin infection.
Alright, as a quick recap… Topical antifungals are used to treat fungal infections involving the skin, hair, or nails. These medications work by disrupting and damaging the fungal cell membranes, ultimately resulting in a fungistatic or fungicidal action.

Review3:37–4:31

Side effects are usually limited to local reactions, such as skin irritation, burning, rash, or swelling. When caring for a client that is prescribed a topical antifungal medication, nursing considerations include assessing the affected skin area, as well as monitoring for side effects and the resolution of the infection.
Finally, client teaching is focused on correct application of the medication, and learning to recognize side effects they may experience, and when to notify their healthcare provider.
may experience, and when to notify their
Antifungals - Topical: Video, Causes, and Symptoms | Osmosis