Dermatophytosis: An Updated Review Of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Antifungal Resistance And Treatment

Sivasankari M; Senthil Rajan D; Haripriya R; Dharshini M; Jainab C; Anuvidhya P; Archana M

Dermatophytosis: An Updated Review Of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Antifungal Resistance And Treatment

Author(s)	Ms. Sivasankari M, Dr. Senthil Rajan D, Ms. Haripriya R, Ms. Dharshini M, Ms. Jainab C, Ms. Anuvidhya P, Ms. Archana M
Country	India
Abstract	Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm or tinea infection, is one of the most prevalent superficial fungal infections affecting keratinized tissues, including the skin, hair, and nails. It is primarily caused by dermatophytes belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The infection can occur in different anatomical forms, including tinea corporis, tinea capitis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manuum, tinea barbae, and tinea unguium. Warm and humid environmental conditions, excessive sweating, close contact with infected individuals or animals, contaminated fomites, poor hygiene, and certain host-related factors contribute to the transmission and persistence of dermatophytosis. This review summarizes the current understanding of the aetiology, classification, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches used for dermatophyte infections. Conventional diagnostic methods such as direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide, fungal culture, dermoscopy, Wood's lamp examination, and skin biopsy, along with molecular diagnostic techniques, are discussed. Particular attention is given to the increasing emergence of antifungal-resistant dermatophytes, especially Trichophyton indotineae, and the molecular mechanisms associated with resistance to terbinafine and azole antifungals. Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches, including topical and systemic antifungal therapy, are also reviewed. The potential role and limitations of combination antifungal therapy and the use of non-antifungal agents as adjunctive treatments are highlighted. Overall, early and accurate diagnosis, appropriate antifungal selection, treatment adherence, and preventive measures are essential for improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing recurrence and transmission. Continued research into antifungal resistance, novel therapeutic strategies, and improved susceptibility testing methods is required to address the evolving challenges associated with dermatophytosis.
Keywords	Dermatophytosis, Ringworm, Trichophyto,; Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Antifungal resistance, Trichophyton indotinea, Terbinafine, Azoles, Diagnosis, Treatment.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-10

View / Download PDF File

E-ISSN 3048-7641

doi

CrossRef DOI is assigned to each research paper published in our journal.

AIJFR DOI prefix is
10.63363/aijfr

Downloads

Research Paper Format Copyright Permission Form and Undertaking Form Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 6 Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 4 Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 3

All research papers published on this website are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and all rights belong to their respective authors/researchers.

CC-BY-SA

About AIJFR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9898-79-39-59	editor@aijfr.com

Advanced International Journal for Research

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Dermatophytosis: An Updated Review Of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Antifungal Resistance And Treatment

Share this