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Nystaform HC (nystatin, chlorhexidine, hydrocortisone) offers a triple-pronged approach to treating fungal skin infections. It destroys fungus, protects the skin from other microbes, and soothes angry, itching skin.

This product comes as a cream, applied directly to the infected skin two or three times per day. Most infections are cleared up in one to two weeks of treatment. The cream is effective against both Candida and Trichophyton species of fungus, which are responsible for the majority of topical fungal infections. Nystaform HC is often used to treat:

• Intertriginous (skin fold) infections
• Jock itch
• Athlete's foot
• Nappy/diaper rash
• Yeast infections in the groin
• Various skin rashes and boils

It is a topical-only treatment and should not be used on open wounds, on mucous membranes, or ingested.

What to Expect from Nystaform HC

Unlike most antifungal creams, which contain only an antifungal medication, Nystaform HC has three active ingredients:

• Nystatin is an antifungal medication that destroys fungal cells.
• Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that destroys bacteria and fungi.
• Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that soothes inflammation, redness and itching.

Together these three ingredients combat the infection, keep the skin clean, and soothe the redness, itching, and inflammation associated with fungal infections. The inactive ingredients in the cream also help soothe and hydrate skin.

Nystatin HC is easy to use:

• Clean and dry the infected skin.
• Apply a thin layer of the cream over the infected area, extending a short way on to healthy skin.
• Allow the cream at least 30 minutes to absorb before applying other skincare products to the area.
• Do not cover the application site with tight clothing or airtight dressings.

Relief of pain, itchiness, redness and inflammation is usually noticeable with the first few days of treatment---sometimes with the first application. It may take up to a week for significant results to be seen in the infection itself. If the infection is not noticeably improved, or worsens, by the end of a week of treatment, it's unlikely that Nystaform NC will provide benefit with continued use; alternative treatments should be considered.

If the infection is noticeably better but not completely resolved after a week, treatment may continue for another week. Using Nystatin HC for more than two or three weeks is not recommended without doctor approval; extended use can cause damage to the skin, particularly if used on the face.

Side Effects & Precautions

Nystaform HC is unlikely to cause side effects if used as directed. It may sting a bit the first few times it is applied, but should not cause redness, swelling, or pain---these are signs of an allergic reaction and use should be discontinued.

If used long-term, products containing steroids like hydrocortisone can cause the skin to thin and become more susceptible to infection. Used frequently on the face, products like this can exacerbate acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory conditions; it can also cause steroid rosacea, particularly if treatment ends abruptly. Infrequent use on the face is unlikely to cause problems, but infrequent use is also unlikely to resolve a fungal infection.

Treatment should continue for several days, ideally a week, after the condition appears to have fully cleared up. This is to eradicate any lingering microbes and prevent resistant strains from developing.

Since little of Nystaform HC is absorbed into the bloodstream it is unlikely to cause harm to unborn or nursing babies if used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other Anti-Fungal Options

This product is also available without hydrocortisone as regular Nystaform. The antifungal agent in this product, nystatin, is also available as a stand-alone treatment in Nystatin Cream, and as Nystatin Oral Solution for oral thrush or other fungal infections of the mouth. Stand-alone Hydrocortisone is also available.