Final answer:
Nystatin cream treats candidiasis of the skin and nails, while nystatin suspension is used to treat oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nystatin cream is primarily used to treat candidiasis of the skin and nails. This topical antifungal medication works by targeting the membrane of fungal cells, creating pores that cause the cells to leak and die. Nystatin cream can be applied to affected skin areas to manage yeast infections, promoting relief and healing. Conditions like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm are examples where nystatin cream might be prescribed.
Nystatin suspension, on the other hand, is a liquid form of nystatin used to treat oral thrush, a yeast infection inside the mouth. It's swished around the mouth and then swallowed or spat out, allowing direct contact with the mucus membranes affected by the fungal overgrowth. It effectively treats the white patches and pseudomembranes characteristic of oral thrush, especially in patients with compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to such infections.