Which treatment is commonly prescribed for systemic infections caused by dermatophytes?

Systemic infections caused by dermatophytes, which are a type of fungi that can invade skin, hair, and nails, typically require more aggressive treatment than what topical antifungals can provide. While topical antifungal treatments are effective for localized infections, systemic infections necessitate the use of systemic antifungals to ensure that the medication can reach the areas of the body that are affected and eliminate the infection thoroughly.

Systemic antifungals are administered orally or through intravenous means, allowing them to circulate throughout the body and effectively treat infections that affect larger areas or are deeply rooted in the tissues. This is crucial in cases where the infection has spread beyond the superficial layers of the skin, which requires more than just external application of medication for successful resolution.

Other options, like OTC jock itch ointments, are typically designed for mild, localized conditions and may not be potent enough for systemic infections. Vaccination is not relevant in this context because there are no vaccines available for dermatophyte infections. Hence, systemic antifungals stand out as the correct choice for treating systemic infections caused by dermatophytes.