Antibacterial and Antifungal

Beneficial bacteria aid in the digestion of food, but harmful bacteria cause serious, life-threatening diseases. Antibacterial drugs and antiseptic products help to kill bacteria and minimize the risk of infection. While fungi provide food, such as mushrooms, and antibiotic drugs such as penicillin, they also cause diseases in plants and humans. Antifungal drugs help treat these diseases.

Antibacterial

• Antibacterial refers to anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth. Bacteria are single-cell, microscopic organisms.

Antibacterial Drugs

• Antibiotic drugs are prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, eye and urinary tract infections. Apply topical antibacterial drugs directly to your skin to treat minor infections. Hexachlorophene, a water-soluble powder found in soap and toothpaste, also provides antibacterial protection.

Antifungal

• Antifungalss destroy fungi or inhibit their growth. Fungi include microorganisms such as yeast and mold.

Antifungal Drugs

• Common fungal infections include athlete's foot, candidiasis (yeast infection) and ringworm. Prescribed systemic antifungal drugs include over the counter topical antifungal drugs, which you apply to the skin for the treatment of fungal infections and come in creams, liquids, powders, sprays and vaginal suppositories.