Key takeaways

Nystatin cream is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal overgrowths by weakening the fungal cell walls, which helps clear infections like thrush, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.
The same Candida species that causes oral thrush can also cause vaginal yeast infections, with symptoms including irritation, discoloration, swelling, discharge, and intense itchiness.
A doctor or healthcare professional will prescribe the most appropriate form of nystatin (cream, powder, liquid, or tablets) depending on the specific fungal infection.

Overview

We all have billions of bacteria and fungi living on and in our bodies. These microbes are completely natural and will be there no matter how often you wash.

Sometimes, the balance can shift and cause one type of microbe to reproduce too much, causing an overgrowth of fungus that can lead to conditions like vaginal yeast infections and athlete’s foot.

Generally, fungal infections are very treatable with a medication like nystatin (Mycostatin, Nystop). This antifungal cream is also available as a liquid, powder, or oral tablet, and it can treat many fungal infections.

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How does nystatin cream work?

Older adult female in a locker room opening her locker and possibly thinking about reading up what is nystatin cream used for? — Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

Nystatin cream works by breaking down the cell walls of the fungus, allowing the contents to leak out, effectively clearing the infection. It’s known as both a fungicide, meaning it kills the fungus outright, and a fungistatic, meaning it stops the fungus from reproducing.

The medication works the same way regardless of the condition being treated, but the dosage and duration of treatment may vary.

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Nystatin for thrush

Thrush is an infection where a yeast-like fungus, Candida albicans, overgrows and causes discoloration, burning, and pain. It is a condition that can develop in people with a weakened immune system or after antibiotic treatment and is more common in babies and older adults.

The mouth naturally contains Candida, and usually, saliva helps protect you from infection. If an infection develops in your mouth, doctors will often treat oral thrush with liquid nystatin. But if the infection affects the skin, they may recommend nystatin cream.

Nystatin for vaginal yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infections can affect as many as 70% of females in their lifetime, and the fungus is the same Candida species as oral thrush — Candida albicans.

Symptoms can include irritation, discoloration, swelling, discharge, and intense itchiness of the tissues at the vaginal opening. A doctor may prescribe a cream form of nystatin that you insert into the vagina with an applicator once or twice a day, or a form that you can apply to the vulva.

If a doctor prescribes this cream for this purpose, it’s safe to apply it to your genitals. However, if they’re prescribed nystatin for another purpose, you should avoid using it for vaginal infections, as the cream may be a stronger formulation than that used for the genitals.

Learn more about the causes of yeast infections.

Nystatin for intertrigo

Intertrigo is a skin condition that affects the folds in your skin, such as under the breasts, in the armpits, or in the groin. It’s mainly caused by friction, heat, and moisture, and in some cases, this can lead to a secondary infection with the Candida albicans fungus.

Candida albicans thrives in moist, warm environments, so these locations are ideal for the fungus to grow. Topical nystatin is considered particularly effective for candidal intertrigo. It’s usually applied twice daily until the infection resolves.

Online care for fungal infections

You may feel shy or embarrassed about seeking treatment for fungal infections. These infections can be very uncomfortable, and if left untreated, they’ll likely get worse. They may even lead to bacterial skin infections. However, treatment is generally simple.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Nystatin cream can help treat fungal infections like thrush, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. It works by breaking down the cell walls of the fungus and allowing the contents to leak out and the infection to clear.

Other forms of nystatin include powder, liquid, and capsules or tablets. A doctor or healthcare professional will prescribe the most appropriate version for your specific infection.

Although the symptoms of a fungal infection can cause irritation and discomfort, it’s not typically a serious condition, and with the right treatment, you can expect a full recovery.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.