Nystatin topical is a prescription antifungal you use on your skin to treat certain fungal skin infections, like yeast infections. It's safe for all ages, even babies with diaper rash. Nystatin topical comes as a cream, ointment, or powder. You usually apply it to the affected skin 2 to 3 times a day. Sometimes, it can cause mild side effects like itching or burning where you put it on.
Nystatin topical is an antifungal. It works by breaking down the protective covering of the fungus. This stops the fungus from growing and kills it, helping to clear the infection.
Source:Â DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Comes as an ointment, cream, and powder
Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
Safe for all ages, including babies
Applied onto skin multiple times a day
Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacteria or viruses
Need a prescription to get it
You'll usually apply nystatin topical 2 or 3 times a day, but always follow the exact instructions from your prescriber. Skipping doses can make your infection last longer.
Make sure to finish your full course of nystatin topical, even if your skin looks better. Stopping the medication too early can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.
Use nystatin topical only on your skin. Don't put the medication in your eyes, nose, or ears. Never put it inside the vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Wash your hands before and after applying nystatin topical to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water or saline and call your prescriber if the irritation doesn’t go away.
Some mild burning or itching can happen after using nystatin topical. But if you notice a rash or have side effects that don't go away, contact your prescriber.
Nystatin topical can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Nystatin topical should only be used on your skin to treat certain fungal infections. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears, and never put it inside the vagina. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 as soon as possible.
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
Yeast infection on the skin (caused by Candida)
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Muddasani, S., et al. (2023). The Persistence of Nystatin Use for Dermatophyte Infections. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Northstar Rx LLC. (2025). NYSTATIN powder. DailyMed.
Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2025). NYSTATIN ointment. DailyMed.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.. (2023). NYSTATIN cream. DailyMed.
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