Dermatophytosis Research Articles

Appreciation for the Publication of A real-world observational study to evaluate the safety & effectiveness of Naftifine 2% cream in patients with superficial fungal skin infection in Indian patients and request for subgroup analysis

Appreciation for the Publication of A real-world observational study to evaluate the safety & effectiveness of Naftifine 2% cream in patients with superficial fungal skin infection in Indian patients and request for subgroup analysis

ADVANCING TOPICAL POSACONAZOLE DELIVERY: BOX BEHNKEN DESIGN MICROSPONGE HYDROGEL OPTIMIZATION AND EXTENSIVE IN VIVO INVESTIGATION

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to develop a novel hydrogel formulation containing Posaconazole (PCZ) encapsulated within microsponges. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the permeation properties of this formulation in vivo using a mouse model. Methods: To achieve this aim, a series of seventeen trials were conducted using the Box Behnken Design methodology. These trials were designed to optimize the production of PCZ Microsponges (PCZ MS), which were subsequently incorporated into a hydrogel matrix. Skin permeation studies were then performed to evaluate the ability of the PCZ microsponge-based hydrogel to deliver the drug across the skin barrier. These studies involved comparison with a standard hydrogel formulation lacking microsponges. Results: This study assessed the efficacy of microsponge gel formulation PM-3 for drug entrapment, yield, and sustained release compared to a conventional gel. PM-3 displayed the highest entrapment efficiency of 98.5% and a yield of 95.62%, indicating a direct correlation with the 1:1 drug-polymer ratio. Moreover, PM-3 exhibited sustained drug release over 12 h, releasing 83.82% of PCZ compared to 65.31% with the normal gel, suggesting its potential for prolonged therapeutic action. These findings underscore the promise of microsponge-based hydrogels, like PM-3, in enhancing therapeutic outcomes through sustained drug release, warranting further exploration for clinical applications. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the promising potential of microsponge-based hydrogels as effective carriers for localized drug delivery, particularly in the context of treating skin fungal infections.

Nanoformulations Insights: A Novel Paradigm for Antifungal Therapies and Future Perspectives.

Currently, fungal infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide. Subsequently, many antifungal agents are available to cure diseases like pemphigus, athlete's foot, acne, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, albinism, and skin cancer. Still, they fall short due to pitfalls in physiochemical properties. Conventional medications like lotion, creams, ointments, poultices, and gels are available for antifungal therapy but present many shortcomings. They are associated with drug retention and poor penetration problems, resulting in drug resistance, hypersensitivity, and diminished efficacy. On the contrary, nanoformulations have gained tremendous potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional delivery. Furthermore, the potential breakthroughs of nanoformulations are site-specific targeting. It has improved bioavailability, patient-tailored approach, reduced drug retention and hypersensitivity, and improved skin penetration. Nowadays, nanoformulations are gaining popularity for antifungal therapy against superficial skin infections. Nanoformulations-based liposomes, niosomes, nanosponges, solid lipid nanoparticles, and potential applications have been explored for antifungal therapy due to enhanced activity and reduced toxicity. Researchers are now more focused on developing patient-oriented target-based nano delivery to cover the lacunas of conventional treatment with higher immune stimulatory effects. Future direction involves the construction of novel nanotherapeutic devices, nanorobotics, and robust methods. In addition, for the preparations of nanoformulations for clinical studies, animal modeling solves the problems of antifungal therapy. This review describes insights into various superficial fungal skin infections and their potential applications, nanocarrier-based drug delivery, and mechanism of action. In addition, it focuses on regulatory considerations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, clinical trials, patents, challenges, and future inputs for researchers to improve antifungal therapy.

Construction and evaluation of transdermal delivery system of terbinafine-loaded plant exosomes for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections

Local transdermal of antifungal agents is a problem that limits the effectiveness of clinical treatment of dermatomycosis. In this study, cucumber-derived plant extracellular vesicles (PEV) were extracted and loaded with the antifungal drug terbinafine (TBF) to form TBF-PEV, which was applied locally to the site of skin fungal infection to improve the transdermal transport capacity of TBF and the antifungal effect in vitro and in vivo. Chemical enhancer and physical enhancer methods were replaced by low immunogenicity and non-irritating PEV. TBF-PEV caused obvious curling and wrinkling in the skin, induced changes in the distribution of skin lipids, and changed the structure and content of skin lipids and proteins, thereby increasing the transdermal efficiency of TBF. The local drug concentration was increased, and the antifungal effect was improved in vitro and in vivo. It was first found that PEV inhibited the growth of Candida albicans with high efflux pump expression. In general, this paper has certain significance in local transdermal treatment of fungal skin infections and reversal of fungal resistance.

Fungal disease incidence and prevalence in Iraq – Preliminary estimates

BackgroundThe surveillance of serious and superficial skin fungal infections in Iraq has not been conducted. Limited information exists on their incidence and prevalence. ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze, compute and estimate the prevalence and burden of fungal infections, as no previous data is available and no studies has been attempted in Iraq. MethodsIn the present study the data were collected and reviewed from published data on epidemiology of fungal infections nationally, internationally, from unpublished postgraduate master and PhD theses, hospital records and private clinic records. External sources of data from other countries were used for diseases which lacked sufficient local data. ResultsWe estimated 985,628 annual serious infections comprising of 2.26 % of the total population. When including superficial fungal infections group of the skin, this rises to 2,075,113 infections at 4.76 % of the total population. The most common serious and skin infections were recurrent Candida vaginitis, fungal rhinosinusitis and tinea capitis comprising 61.5 %, 21.8 %, and 22.4 % of all infections although the total incidence of superficial fungal infections was also high at 1,071,485. Respiratory fungal disease is also common comprising 14.0 % of infections. We predicted the following annual burden per 100,000; oral candidiasis at 247.9, esophageal candidiasis at 6.04, candidemia at 5.0, Candida peritonitis at 0.75, recurrent Candida vaginitis at 5461, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis at 35, severe asthma with fungal sensitisation at 46, invasive aspergillosis at 7.9, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis at 11.7, chronic fungal rhinosinusitis at 496, mucormycosis at 0.99, fungal keratitis at 14.0, and total dermatophytosis at 1631, the most severe being tinea capitis at 366. Many of these estimates were made with data sourced from other nations, so additional data from Iraq is required to validate or modify these estimates. ConclusionRecurrent Candida vaginitis, fungal rhinosinusitis, and tinea capitis are considered to be the most frequent fungal diseases present in Iraq.

Fungal Skin Infections in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections, commonly referred to as mycoses, are widespread and affect various parts of the body. Common types of fungal skin infections include tinea pedis, tinea unguim, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and tinea manuum. Athletes, in particular, are at a higher risk of contracting these infections due to several factors inherent to their training and competitive environments. Methods: This research examined the incidence, anatomical distribution, and seasonal occurrence of fungal skin infections among beach volleyball athletes in Greece. The study cohort consisted of 785 participants, with an average age of 28.4 years. Variables recorded included gender, the seasonal periods during which athletes might be more prone to injuries, and the specific body areas affected by fungal infections. In addition, training-related data such as weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were collected. Results: Incidence rates correlated in relation to gender: male, tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea manuum (p < 0.010); number of weekly trainings: tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea unguium (p < 0.043), tinea cruris (p < 0.008), tinea versicolor (p < 0.038), tinea manuum (p < 0.043); average hours of daily training: tinea unguium (p < 0.039), tinea manuum (p < 0.039). Conclusions: Athletic activities often involve exposure to warm, moist conditions that promote fungal growth. Locker rooms, showers, and equipment can harbor fungi, spreading infections among athletes. Understanding these infections is essential for effective prevention and management, as they can impact performance and health if untreated. Proper hygiene, antifungal treatments, and public health measures are crucial to reducing the risk in athletic settings.

Synergistic wall digestion and cuproptosis against fungal infections using lywallzyme-induced self-assembly of metal-phenolic nanoflowers

Fungi are very common infectious pathogens, which may cause invasive and potentially life-threatening infections. However, the efficacy of antifungal medications remains limited. Herein, a Cu2+-phenolic nanoflower is designed to combat fungal infections by combining cuproptosis and cell wall digestion. Firstly, protocatechuic acid (PA)-Cu2+ (PC) nanopetals are prepared by coordination interaction. Lywallzyme (Lyw) is then added to induce the self-assembly of PC to form Lyw loaded PC (PCW) nanoflowers. PCW nanoflowers can effectively adhere to fungal surface and Lyw can digest fungal cell walls to facilitate Cu2+ to penetrate into fungal interior, thereby exerting a synergistic fungicidal effect. PCW nanoflowers exhibit excellent fungicidal activity even in protein-rich and high-salt conditions, where dissociative Cu2+ completely loses fungicidal activity. Transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals that PCW can lead to fungal cuproptosis. The in vivo fungicidal effect of PCW nanoflowers is confirmed on a murine skin fungal infection model and a murine fungal keratitis model.

PAS Staining Variability in Fungal Infections of Skin

Abstract Introduction/Objective Developed in 1946 by J. F. A. McManus, the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain is among the most frequently used stains in histopathology as a cost-effective ancillary study for the detection of fungal organisms. Despite its wide use in dermatopathology, little research exists comparing PAS to its commonly used counterpart, Gomori methenamine silver (GMS), or to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) alone. The variation in PAS staining between different fungi causing skin infections has been poorly studied. Methods/Case Report Eighteen cases of fungal skin infections from 1995-2023 were reviewed by a resident pathologist and attending medical mycologist. All eighteen cases possessed H&E, GMS, and PAS stains (staining preservation was confirmed). These cases were selected to represent the following categories of fungal skin infections: 1) superficial or cutaneous; 2) subcutaneous; and 3) systemic (including opportunistic mycoses and endemic dimorphic fungi). The following criteria were used to grade each specimen: ability of PAS to stain the organism’s cell wall; the demonstration of fungal morphology by PAS; and the ease of differentiating PAS-stained organisms from background compared to H&E alone. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) PAS allowed for ready visualization of fungal morphology for all organisms except for Histoplasma spp. and Blastomyces spp. in which organisms tended to blend in with background staining particularly in inflamed tissues. Both fungi were visualized better by GMS. The muriform bodies of chromoblastomycosis, while staining well with PAS, were easy to miss due to their tiny size. Conclusion Compared to H&E alone, PAS allowed for detection of organisms at a lower magnification (40X) for fungal infections except for those in chromoblastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis. PAS is a useful, cost- effective ancillary study for the detection of fungal organisms in dermatopathology; however, care must be taken when there is clinical suspicion for certain fungal organisms that are less well-visualized by PAS.

Deep Fungal Infections of Skin and Role of Histopathology in Diagnosis

Abstract Introduction: Deep mycoses acquired by penetrating trauma to the skin can have varied and sometimes atypical morphological presentations resulting in diagnostic dilemmas and delay in treatment onset. Histopathology can be a useful tool in not only diagnosing but also differentiating various deep mycoses. Aims and Objectives: To observe various morphological presentations and histopathological features of deep fungal infections. Materials and Methods: A retrospective multi-centric study was conducted from 2010 to 2020 at 16 centres. The cases with diagnoses of various deep mycoses were included in the study. The patients presenting with cutaneous manifestations were included in the study. Their demographic details, history, presenting signs and symptoms, morphological presentations, histopathological features and treatment details were collected from the case sheets. Results: A total of 124 cases were found from the case records. The most common type was chromoblastomycosis (42) followed by mycetoma (28) and rhinosporidiosis (17). The mean age was 43.76 ± 5.44 years. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was between 2 months to 10 years (average 2.5 ± 1.33 years). Male to female ratio was 1:0.7. Prior history of trauma was recorded in 36% of cases. Chromoblastomycosis cases presented with verrucous to atrophic plaques with black dots on the surface and histopathology findings included pesudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, epithelioid cell granulomas, copper penny bodies within granulomas and abscesses. Rhinosporidiosis cases had polypoid grape-like lesions in the nose and eyes most commonly with histopathology findings of abundant thick-walled sporangia in dermis packed with thousands of spores. Eumycetoma patients had pigmented, indurated swelling with multiple sinuses discharging black granules and histopathology showed dermal abscesses and foreign body granulomatous reaction with PAS-positive hyphae. Histoplasmosis patients presented with few to multiple nodulo-pustular lesions on skin and palatal ulcers while small basophilic bodies packed in the cytoplasm of histiocytes were noted in histopathology. Phaeohyphomycosis cases presented as deep-seated cystic lesions and biopsy revealed deepithelialized cysts in the dermis or hypodermis with lumen showing necro inflammatory debris and fungal hyphae. Sporotrichosis cases had erythematous, tender nodules and papules either as single lesions or as multiple lesions arranged in a linear fashion and histopathology showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of epidermis, loose to well-defined epithelioid cell granulomas and microabscesses. Spores were found in two cases. Cryptococcosis patient had multiple umbilicated lesions resembling giant molluscum contagiosum loose epithelioid cell granulomas and medium-sized spores lying in both intra and extracellularly on histopathology. Penicilliosis patients had nodulo-pustular lesions and histopathology showed an admixture of histiocytes, epithelioid cells, plasma cells, lymphocytes and polymorphs in the dermis with the presence of yeast-like spores in the cytoplasm of histiocytes and epithelioid cells. Entomophthoromycosis cases presented with asymptomatic subcutaneous firm swelling with loss of skin pinchability. Conclusion: Though clinical findings of deep fungal infections are characteristic similar morphology and atypical presentations can be sometimes confusing. Histopathology is useful for confirming the diagnosis.

Prolonged Skin Retention of Luliconazole from SLNs Based Topical Gel Formulation Contributing to Ameliorated Antifungal Activity.

The development of effective therapy is necessary because the patients have to contend with long-termtherapy as skin fungal infections usually relapse and are hardly treated. Despite being a potent antifungal agent, luliconazole (LCZ) has certainshortcomings such as limited skin penetration, low solubility in aqueous medium, and poor skin retention. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed using biodegradable lipids by solvent injection method and were embodied into the gel base for topical administration. After in-vitro characterizations of the formulations, molecular interactions of the drug with excipients were analyzed using in-silico studies. Ex-vivo release was determined in contrast to the pure LCZ and the commercial formulation followed by in-vivo skin localization, skin irritation index, and antifungal activity. The prepared SLNs have an average particle size of 290.7nm with no aggregation of particles and homogenous gels containing SLNs with ideal rheology and smooth texture properties were successfully prepared. The ex-vivo LCZ release from the SLN gel was lower than the commercial formulation whereas its skin deposition and skin retention were higher as accessed by CLSM studies. The drug reaching the systemic circulation and the skin irritation potential were found to be negligible. Thesolubility and drug retention in the skin were both enhanced by the development of SLNs as a carrier. Thus, SLNs offer significant advantages by delivering long lasting concentrations of LCZ at the site of infection for a complete cure of the fungal load together with skin localization of the topical antifungal drug.

Superficial fungal infections in adults in Northern Finland between 2010 and 2021: A register-based study.

Superficial fungal infections are common dermatological reasons to visit a doctor in primary care in Finland. However, their variable clinical picture and minor symptoms may lead to delayed diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and patient profile of fungal infections treated in secondary care over a decade. This is a retrospective study including adult patients with a fungal infection in the scalp, nails, or superficial skin diagnosed at the Oulu University Hospital, Finland between the years 2010 and 2021. There were 573 patients with male predominance (57.6%). All studied fungal infections were more common in the oldest age group (>61 years). The number of fungal infections increased from the year 2017 onward. Only one-third (37.7%) of the patients were referred to the dermatology clinic because of a suspected dermatophyte infection, and in 46.0% of cases, the diagnostic delay exceeded 6 months. The most common fungal infection was tinea pedis (n = 295, 51.5%) followed by tinea unguium (n = 275, 48.0%); as concomitant infection, they were present in 108 (18.8%) of all patients. The most common pathogen causing a fungal infection was Trichophyton rubrum. During the study period, the incidence of diagnosed superficial fungal skin infections increased. There was a remarkable diagnostic delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis in these most common dermatological conditions.

Epidemiological study of Tinea corporis in Al-Najaf City and the possible sources of infection

Background and objectives. Tinea corporis is a common superficial fungal skin infection presenting complaints in daily practice that can lead to serious consequences caused by dermatophytes. This disease has a significant influence on public health and social life since its spread can be difficult to manage and has a high rate of recurrence. This study aims to determine the demographic characteristics and the possible source of infection with Tinea corporis in Al-Najaf City, Iraq. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 190 Tinea corporis patients from the 1st of April 2023 to the 31st of July 2023 in the three specialized hospitals in Al-Najaf city all these patients were subjected to a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire includes 4 domains regarding sociodemographic characteristics, personal habits, housekeeping habits, and possible sources of infection of the participants. Results. This study found that Tinea corporis affected both males and females equally in the study sample. While the age 20-29 and 30-39-years-old were the most highly affected (20% for each), the lowest was age ≥60 years old (7.1%). The possible source was the human-related possible source (31.1%), animal-related possible source (12.1%), soil-related possible source (5.8%), and among human-related possible source the household-related possible source was of 86.4%. Conclusions. There was no domination of one gender upon the other regarding Tinea corporis infection. Tinea corporis affects post-puberty at the highest rates and the elderly at the lowest rates. The most possible source of infection was human-related and especially household-related.

Superficial Zoonotic Mycoses in Humans Associated with Cattle.

Dermatophytosis in cattle is most often caused by infection with Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum), but also with Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) and others, regardless of the geographical zone. The infection is transmitted through direct contact between animals as well as infected environmental elements. The human-to-human transmission of fungal infection is also possible.. This retrospective study was conducted based on a detailed analysis of the results of the mycological examination and medical documentation of 40 patients from Greater Poland, diagnosed with cattle-to-human dermatophytoses from March 2017 to November 2023. T. verrucosum accounted for 97.5% of infections and T. mentagrophytes for 2.5%; no other species of dermatophytes from cattle were found. Superficial skin mycosis in humans associated with cattle was more often diagnosed in small children and men directly engaged in cattle breeding. The dominant etiological factor of the superficial fungal skin infection was T. verrucosum, which mainly affected the scalp in children and upper limbs in adult men. In relation to the cattle population in Greater Poland, the number of cases of superficial skin mycoses among cattle breeders and their family members over the period of more than six and a half years of observation does not seem to be high.

Survey on Dermatological Disorders of Dogs during 2020-2022 in Rabat, Morocco

Dermatology is an important specialty in veterinary medicine, focusing on the skin and its appendages. Therefore, the present study highlighted the percentage of skin disorders, as well as their associated risk factors, from cases received at the Parasitology-Dermatology clinic of the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV Hassan II), Rabat, Morocco for two years. A total of 1561 dogs (1450 dogs were in 28 different pure breeds and 111 dogs were mongrels, 805 males, and 756 females, with an average age of 6.5 years old) were presented at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTH) of the IAV Hassan II from the end of October 2020 to the end of May 2022 (including vaccinations) and 125 dogs were assessed and 161 skin diseases were found (a few dogs had more than one skin disease). Dermatological examinations represented an average of 8.00% (125/1561) of all canine cases received at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The most common clinical signs were pruritus, alopecia, erythema, onychogryphosis, and visible ectoparasites. Parasitic dermatoses were the most frequent, representing 44.10% of all dermatological cases, followed by allergic dermatoses (25.47%) and fungal skin infections (19.25%). Bacterial skin infections and dermatological manifestations of endocrine disorders were infrequent, representing 8.70% and 2.48%, respectively of all observed cases. Risk factors contributing to the occurrence of canine skin disorders included age and lifestyle for sarcoptic mange. An apparent predilection for the living environment was observed in the case of canine leishmaniosis, and an apparent predilection for sex regarding otodectic mange was also demonstrated. Similar results were found for the living environment and lifestyle concerning canine atopic dermatitis. Data reported herein fill gaps in knowledge of skin disorders and their associated risk factors in dogs in Morocco, demonstrating the dominance of skin diseases of zoonotic interest, including flea bite allergy dermatitis (FBAD), dermatophytosis, and canine leishmaniosis.

Preparation Pharmaceutical Formulation of Sulphathiazole Nanoparticles in a Spray form for Treatment Fungal and Acterial Skin Infections

The Objective of this research to convert sulfamethoxazole to nano-sulfamethoxazole by Sol-gel method and prepare a pharmaceutical formulation of sulfamethaxazole, prepared at a concentration of 0.25% and in the form of a spray to treat fungal and bacterial infections resulting from wounds of skin, its good for heath. The nano particles characterized by powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed successful that nano sphere sulfamethoxazole and it size between (37-55) nm, all these tests showed different type of nanostructures such as nanotubes and nanoparticles, other biological test MIC & MBC show superior biological activity. The stability of the prepared formula was studied for 6 months under temperature conditions (30, 40) degrees Celsius and relative humidity (70, 75) controlled, which showed the stability and stability of the composition. An experiment was also conducted on laboratory animals (mice) by making a wound in them and treating with the prepared formula with a comparison with the normal non-nanostructure.

Epidemiological characteristic of nails, skin of the feet and hands mycoses in the Perm region

Introduction. Mycoses of the skin and their derivatives are one of the most common groups of fungal infections. Lesion to the nails and skin of the feet and hands occupies a leading place in the structure of this pathology. These diseases are characterized by a long course and often ineffective therapy. Onychomycosis and fungal infections of the skin of the feet and hands are characterized by certain epidemiological features and have a diverse etiology.Aim. To study of the epidemiological characteristic of mycoses of the nails, skin of the feet and hands according to the data of the Regional Clinical Dermatovenerological Dispensary of Perm over a ten-year period to optimize the detection and further treatment of this pathologyMaterials and methods. For the study, statistical data from the Regional Clinical Dermatovenerological Dispensary in Perm were used. Data were analyzed for the period 2012–2021 to assess the dynamics of the prevalence of mycoses of the skin and nails of the feet and hands, their etiological structure. Cases recorded during direct patient contact were taken into account. For laboratory confirmation of mycoses, a culture method was used.Results and discussion. The number of cases of mycoses of the skin and nails of the feet and hands for the period from 2012 to 2021 was analyzed. It was established that the share of this pathology in the structure of superficial mycoses averaged 49.9%. There was no significant dynamics in the number of recorded cases of fungal infection of this location during the analyzed period. This pathology was more often observed in females than in males throughout the study period. The most significant etiological factors were representatives of Trichophyton spp., Candida spp., as well as molds. There has been a change in the etiological structure of mycoses of the nails, skin of the feet and hands over the observed period: there is a tendency towards a decrease in the proportion of dermatophytes and an increase in the proportion of yeast fungi.Conclusion. The relevance of the studied group of mycoses was confirmed using the example of the Perm region. The main cause of fungal infections of the nails and skin of the feet and hands were representatives of dermatophytes and Candida spp. It is recommended to focus on identifying this pathology in males during preventive examinations due to the low frequency of their visits to medical specialists.

Specific Antidermatophytic Activity of Trifluoromethylthiolated Cinnamate Derivatives: A New Approach to the Therapy of Superficial Fungal Infections of the Skin

AbstractDermatomycoses are the most widespread fungal skin infections worldwide and directly affect patients’ quality of life. They are challenging to manage because of the need for prolonged treatment and the development of resistance to antifungal agents. This article studies the antifungal activity of trifluoromethylthiolated cinnamate derivatives on Candida species and dermatophytes as well as possible mechanisms of action, irritability, and cytotoxicity tests. These molecules show activity against dermatophyte fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 0.39 μg mL−1. In particular, chloroaromatic derivatives demonstrated the best inhibition profile (1.56–6.25 μg mL−1). Importantly, our series of molecules were not active against Candida spp., being selective for dermatophytes. A study of the mechanism of action suggests that our SCF3 cinnamates do not bind directly to ergosterol or the cell wall. The physicochemical parameters and the absence of irritability resulting from the HET‐CAM test demonstrate that compound 8 can be considered a future candidate for the therapy of dermatophytosis.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL CLINICOMYCOLOGICAL STUDY OF TINEA CORPORIS IN AN INDIAN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Tinea corporis, a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails, has become a significant public health concern in recent years. This study aimed to assess the frequency of various fungal species associated with Tinea corporis and explore potential correlations with clinical features. A total of 311 cases from a tertiary care facility in India participated in this cross-sectional study. Samples from skin, hair, and nails were analyzed using fungal cultures and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts. Most patients were male and in their third decade of life, with 13% having Tinea corporis et cruris and 48.8% reporting a positive family history. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most commonly isolated species (80.92%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (14.54%). No significant correlation was found between clinical characteristics, such as body surface area or illness duration, and the type of fungus identified.

Microneedle-based arrays – Breakthrough strategy for the treatment of bacterial and fungal skin infections

Currently, fungal and bacterial skin infections rank among the most challenging public health problems due to the increasing prevalence of microorganisms and the development of resistance to available drugs. A major issue in treating these infections with conventional topical medications is the poor penetration through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. The concept of microneedles seems to be a future-proof approach for delivering drugs directly into deeper tissues. By bypassing the skin barrier, microneedle systems allow therapeutic substances to reach deeper layers more efficiently, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, the primary challenges regarding the effectiveness of microneedles involve selecting the appropriate size and shape, along with polymer composition and fabrication technology, to enable controlled and efficient drug release. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the latest knowledge on microneedle types and manufacturing techniques, highlighting their potential effectiveness in treating bacterial and fungal skin infections. It includes updated statistics on infection prevalence and provides a detailed examination of common bacterial and fungal diseases, focusing on their symptoms, causative species, and treatment methods. Additionally, the review addresses safety considerations, regulatory aspects, and future perspectives for microneedle-based therapeutic systems. It also underscores the importance of industrialization and clinical translation efforts, emphasizing the significant potential of microneedle technology for advancing medical applications.

Current Insights on Treatment Adherence in Prevalent Dermatological Conditions and Strategies To Optimize Adherence Rates.

Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is crucial for treatment efficacy and patient safety, but it remains a challenge in the medical field, particularly in dermatology, where adherence to prescribed treatments is being intensively evaluated and improved. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of adherence behaviors in dermatological diseases, including fungal skin infections, psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria, aiming to update scientific information on adherence patterns and management strategies in these highly prevalent conditions. Furthermore, the importance of a holistic approach that integrates patient-centered and physician-centered strategies to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance adherence in dermatological care is highlighted. The role of technological advancements in promoting adherence is also discussed, with an emphasis on the potential for digital solutions to facilitate medication management. Future perspectives underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the multifaceted barriers to adherence, including treatment complexity, healthcare accessibility, and patient-provider communication. By addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can enhance patient satisfaction, improve therapeutic outcomes, and mitigate the adverse consequences of non-adherence in dermatological practice.