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June 23, 2003
Athlete's foot, "jock itch", and onychomycosis (fungal nail) are common conditions experienced by athletes.

These fungal infections are often caused by Candida albicans and are therefore referred to as "candidosis". They are frequently associated with exposure to a warm, moist environment, such as a locker room. Research points to the practicality of topical application of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, alone or in combination with anti fungal medications known as "azoles" (for example, fluconazole), in the treatment of candidosis. Ibuprofen exhibits ant microbial activity against Candida albicans and non-albicans strains. In one study, ibuprofen (10 mg/ml) showed rapid fungicidal activity against C. albicans in its exponential growth phase. The combination of ibuprofen and fluconazole resulted in synergistic activity with eight of 12 Candida strains studied, including four of five fluconazole-resistant strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of fluconazole needed to kill fluconazole-resistant strains decreased 2 to 128-fold when fluconazole was used with ibuprofen, which means that less anti-fungal medication was needed to stop the growth of the fungus when the two medications were used together. Similarly, when the efficacy of ibuprofen in combination with fluconazole was tested, MICs for ibuprofen decreased by up to 64-fold for all twelve strains that were studied. Particularly when applied topically, ibuprofen has ant fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which makes the medication useful, alone or in combination with azoles, in the treatment of candidosis.

J Med Microbiol 2000 Sep;49(9):831-40

Various synergistic topical and anti fungal combinations have been
requested and can be compounded by prescription.

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