Topical and systemic antifungals in dermatology practice

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is generally defined as an infection of the hair, nails, or glabrous skin. These infections are caused by the keratinophilic fungi Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp., and Epidermophyton, which have been recovered from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Although dermatophytosis is generally not a life-threatening condition, these types of infections are among the most common infections worldwide, and their incidence has continued to increase consistently in recent years. Area covered: This article provides an overview of the general characteristics of dermatophytes, including their taxonomy and epidemiology, as well as the different clinical forms and laboratory diagnostics of dermatophytosis. We further classify the topical and systemic antifungal compounds currently used to treat dermatophyte infections. Expert commentary: Antifungal therapy is a central component of patient management for dermatophytosis, and depending on the strategy chosen, topical and/or systemic drugs can be used. However, for effective treatment, it is important to correctly determine the causal agents at the species level, which will enable administration of suitable therapeutics and initiation of appropriate management strategies.

In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles of 12 Antifungal Drugs against 55 Trichophyton schoenleinii Isolates from Tinea Capitis Favosa Patients in Iran, Turkey, and China

“…Antifungal therapy is a central component of patient management for dermatophytosis, and depending on the strategy chosen, topical and/or systemic drugs can be used (23). Despite the increasing number of investigations on the utility of the newer antifungal agents for the management of dermatophytosis (17,24), the in vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles of newer antifungal agents against T. schoenleinii remain poorly investigated.…”

Tinea Infections: Changing Face or Neglected?

“…Antifungals agents have revolutionized the natural course of the Dermatophyte infections in the last century, with a wide spectrum of oral and topical drugs, whose choice depends on the extent, site of infection and causative organism [76,77]. Most superficial cutaneous dermatophyte infections can be managed with topical agents such as azoles, allylamines, butenafine, ciclopirox and tolnaftate [78,79].…”

Newer topical treatments in skin and nail dermatophyte infections

“…Improving hygiene of the skin, nails, and hair; avoidance of humidity and occlusive clothing; discontinuation of corticosteroid containing topical antifungal creams; and close examination of possible carriers, i.e., family members and pets, are important measures in the treatment. [ 10 ]…”