Nystatin topical is a medication that's used on the skin to treat certain fungal skin infections (most commonly yeast infections). It's safe to use in people of all ages, including babies for diaper rash. Nystatin topical comes in different formulations: cream, ointment, and powder. It's available by prescription only and can't be purchased over the counter. Rarely, some people experience itching and burning where they applied the medication. But most people experience few to no side effects while using nystatin topical as directed.
Treatment of fungal skin infections (yeast infection)
Nystatin topical is an antifungal medication. It works by damaging the protective covering of the fungus. This stops the growth of the fungus and kills it to treat the infection.
Source: 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):
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and powder
Generally well-tolerated
Safe to use for newborns
Applied onto skin multiple times a day
Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacterial or viral infections
Might not work as well as antifungal medications that are taken by mouth
Not clear whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
Nystatin topical should only be used on the skin. To avoid side effects like irritation or a burning sensation, don't use this medication in your eyes, nose, or ears. Never insert nystatin topical into your vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Wash your hands before and after using nystatin topical to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse your eyes with water or saline. Contact your provider if the irritation doesn't go away.
Use nystatin topical exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you see that your skin infection is getting better. Stopping the medication earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.
Some temporary burning or itching after applying nystatin topical is possible. But if you notice a rash or side effects that don't go away, contact your provider.
Don't keep leftover nystatin topical around to use later or use this medication without talking to your provider. Nystatin topical might not be the right medication to treat the type of skin infection you have.
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.
Tell your provider before using nystatin topical if you've ever had an allergic reaction to nystatin before. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as swollen skin, rash, itchy skin, or other skin irritation. Please stop using nystatin topical and tell your provider if you have these signs and symptoms. Get medical help right away if the swelling is severe or if you're having trouble breathing.
Nystatin topical should only be used on your skin to treat certain yeast infections. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. Nystatin topical shouldn't be inserted into the vagina either. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 as soon as possible.
Topical cream and ointment: Apply a generous amount to the affected area(s) 2 times daily until the infection is healed or as directed by a provider.
Topical powder: Apply to the affected area(s) 2 to 3 times daily until the infection is healed or as directed by a provider.
Treatment of fungal skin infections (yeast infection)
Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
Skin yeast infection caused by Candida
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antimicrobial-resistant fungi.
Crown Laboratories. (2023). Nystatin cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Litchman, G., et al. (2023). Contact dermatitis. StatPearls.
Nenoff, P., et al. (2015). Mycology — an update part 3: Dermatomycoses: Topical and systemic therapy. Journal of the German Society of Dermatology.
Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). Nystatin ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Tucker, D., et al. (2023). Seborrheic dermatitis. StatPearls.
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