Final answer:
Antifungals treat infections caused by fungi, such as athlete's foot and candidiasis, and are available in both topical and oral forms. They target fungal cells, which are similar to human cells, making the treatment challenging, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antifungals are medications that are used to treat infections caused by fungi. These infections can be topical, such as athlete’s foot, or systemic, like candidiasis and aspergillosis. Clotrimazole is an example of an over-the-counter antifungal cream commonly used for skin infections. In contrast to fungals, antibiotics are designed to combat bacterial infections, and antivirals are used to help the immune system fight off viral infections.
The targets for anti-fungal drugs are more limited than antibiotics or antivirals because human cells are much more similar to fungal cells than they are to bacteria or viruses. Treating fungal infections can be challenging, especially for those with compromised immune systems; in such individuals, these infections can be fatal. Oral and topical antifungal medications, such as fluconazole and ketoconazole, are typically used to treat systemic and cutaneous candidiasis.