Abstract

A REVIEW ON SUPERFICIAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS: CLINICAL SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Pankaj Saxena, Richa Sharma* and Mamta Hooda

ABSTRACT

The word ‘superficial’ indicates the infection on the skin. The superficial fungal infections are most common in the world and about 70% of the world’s population is affected. The Dermatophytes are responsible for these infections and the infection caused by the Dermatophytes is known as Dermatophytosis. There are three genera of dermatophytes that are Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton which are responsible for human infection. The Dermatophytes are the keratin feeding pathogens and mainly affects the hair, nails and skin of the host. The humid and hot climate is required for the growth of Dermatophytes. They cause different types of disease or infections in the human beings such as Tinea faciei, Tinea barbae, Tinea pedis, Tinea cruris etc. and these diseases are named according to their site of infection. Sometimes these fungal infections cause serious disease in human beings. Mainly microscopy, culture and KOH mount tests are used to examine the fungal infections. These are communicable diseases so the precaution will be taken by the patient. The important factor to control the fungal infections is maintenance the hygienic conditions. There are several antifungal drugs such as Itraconazole, ketoconazole, Silver sulfadiazine are available in the market for the fungal infection treatment. Some plant extracts and their essential oils are also used due to their antimicrobial properties.

Keywords: Superficial, Dermatophytes, Antifungal drugs, Essential oils, keratin etc.