Final answer:
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species affecting various body parts. Nystatin suspension is commonly used to treat oral thrush due to its effective topical antifungal action inside the mouth. For skin, nails, and vaginal yeast infections, both topical and systemic antifungal medications, including azoles and amphotericin B, may be prescribed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, particularly C. albicans. This condition can occur in various regions of the body such as the skin, mouth (known as oral thrush), and vagina (yeast infection). When treating oral thrush, nystatin suspension is often used as an initial topical medication because of its effectiveness in treating fungal infections inside the mouth.
Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the fungal cell membranes, creating pores that lead to cell death. For candidiasis affecting skin and nails, diagnosis can be done through culture, Gram stain, and KOH wet mounts, with treatment options including topical or systemic azole antifungal medications. Drugs like clotrimazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B are used for topical and systemic treatments as appropriate, based on the severity and resistance profile of the infection.
For vaginal candidiasis, a range of antifungal medications is available including butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, as well as nystatin. In some cases, oral fluconazole is recommended as it can be administered both topically and systemically. The choice of treatment should be made carefully, taking into consideration individual circumstances, including pregnancy and potential resistance patterns.