Antifungal topical drugs are used to treat infections caused by fungal but can also cause more severe diseases and side effect.

This antifungal medication drugs can applied topically or oral. The side effect more common cause topical is allergic reactions. Oral intake can also cause side effect like nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. More severe oral antifungal intake side effect is renal, hepatic or heart failure.

One of the medication more use to treat fungal skin infection is ketoconazole or nizoral. Prescription ketoconazole comes as a cream and a shampoo to apply to the skin. Over the counter ketoconazole comes as a shampoo to apply to the scalp. Ketoconazole cream is usually applied once a day for 2-6 weeks. Prescription ketoconazole shampoo is usually applied one time to treat the infection. Over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo is usually used every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks, and then used as needed to control dandruff.

Ketoconazole is used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis condition that causes flaking of the skin. Ketoconazole cream is sometimes used to treat tinea manuum, fungal infection of the skin on the hands. Ketoconazole cream is also sometimes used with other medications to treat skin conditions that are often worsened by fungal infection such as diaper rash, eczema, skin irritation caused by allergies, impetigo (blisters caused by a bacterial infection), and psoriasis.

Side effect cause by topical antifungal drugs is redness at the place where you applied, some side effects can be more serious like severe itching, blistering, swelling, changes in hair texture, blisters on scalp, dry skin or oozing at the place where you applied the medication also can produce discoloration or change in the skin.

Also keep this medication in the container it came, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store in at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed to reduce side effect.