Dermatophytosis: The Management of Fungal Infections

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is an infection of the hair, skin, or nails caused by a dermatophyte, which is most commonly of the Trichophyton genus and less commonly of the Microsporum or Epidermophyton genera. Tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis are common dermatologic diseases that may result from such an infection. The treatment of fungal infections caused by a dermatophyte has been successful when treated with oral or topical antifungal agents. Terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are oral antimycotics that are effective in the treatment of superficial mycoses, although, depending on the severity of the infection, a topical antifungal may be sufficient.

Potential Synergistic Action of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Extracts against Skin Infecting Microorganisms

“…The etiological agents are anamorphic fungi from Hyphomycetes class, including the genera Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. The host reaction to dermatophyte infections is closely related to the strains of fungi, location, and environmental factors; these may be mild or severe, resulting in disease such as tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis [178,179]. Dermatophytosis risk factors include poor hygiene, administration of immunosuppressive drugs, and diabetes mellitus [180].…”

<i>In Vitro</i> Susceptibility of Dermatophytes to Anti-Fungal Drugs and Aqueous <i>Acacia nilotica</i> Leaf Extract in Lagos, Nigeria

“…Dermatophytosis of the arms, trunk and legs are generally referred to as tinea corporis, those involving the scalp are called tinea capitis and that of the foot, tinea pedis [1]. Dermatophytosis is typically caused by dermatophytes, which are one of the most common fungal agents, belonging to the Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton genera, causing superficial skin infection globally [1][2][3][4]. The transmission of dermatophyte infection is mainly through contact with contaminated hair coats of animals and insects such as fleas or houseflies [3].…”

A pilot single centre, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized, parallel study of Calmagen® dermaceutical cream and lotion for the topical treatment of tinea and onychomycosis

“…Dermatophytosis is the most common type of superficial fungal infection, adversely affecting the quality of life of individuals across all age groups, estimated to be 20–25% of the global population [ 1 – 4 ]. Currently available antifungal drugs have varied mechanisms of action affecting synthesis of membrane/cell-wall components (echinocandins), membrane permeability (amphoterecin-B, azoles, allylamines), synthesis of nucleic acids (flucytosine), and microtubule/mitotic spindle function (griseofulvin) [ 5 , 6 ].…”

“…There are several oral or topical antifungal agents for the management of dermatophytosis [ 1 ]. However, dermatophytosis usually requires long-term therapy with allylamines (e.g.…”