Tolnaftate Therapy of Mycotic Infections: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Prior to the introduction of the systemic use of griseofulvin for the treatment of selected superficial mycotic infections, there was no satisfactory method of management available. Although great claims had been made for some of the topical proprietary preparations, at best they were proved to be only palliative, the main virtue being the keratolytic effect produced by them. In spite of the fact that there is a low incidence of adverse reactions to griseofulvin, the problems of photosensitivity, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, etc. are still encountered. Topically applied griseofulvin, regardless of the excipient used, is of questionable value. It is evident that an efficient topical fungicidal or fungistatic agent with a low incidence of sensitivity reaction would be of inestimable therapeutic value.