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S Afr Fam Pract
ISSN 2078-6190    EISSN 2078-6204 

© 2017 The Author(s)

REVIEW

Introduction

It is estimated that 10 – 20% of the global population is affected 
by fungal skin infections (mycosis) at any given time.1 The 
lifetime incidence of contracting a superficial fungal disease 
is nearly 70%, rendering it one of the most contagious and 
prevalent disease groups encountered in the healthcare system. 
Mycosis is classified according to the tissue layer of the skin 
where initial colonization is established. Superficial mycosis is 
limited to the outermost parts of the skin (stratum corneum). 
Pityriasis versicolor and pityriasis capitis (dandruff ) caused 
by yeasts in the genus Malassezia are some of the well-known 
examples. Cutaneous mycosis extends deeper into the epidermal 
structures including the keratinized layers of the skin, hair and 
nails. Subcutaneous mycosis involves the infection of deeper 
structures of the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, muscle and fascia 
by a variety of fungal yeasts, molds and spores. This short review 
will focus on cutaneous mycosis caused by the dermatophytes. 
Infections caused by Candida species are excluded in this review. 

Clinically important dermatophyte infections are engendered by 
about forty different fungal species from the genera Trichophyton, 
Microsporum and Epidermophyton. These organisms metabolize 
keratin and cause various skin and nail infections which are 
described by the term “Tinea”, meaning “fungus”, followed by 
the Latin description depicting the site of infection. Familiar 
dermatophyte infections include Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), 
Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), Tinea cruris (jock itch), 

Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), and Tinea unguium 

(onychomycosis).2 Tinea corporis and Tinea capitis are trivial in 

pre-pubertal children, whereas adolescents and adults are more 

likely to develop Tinea cruris, Tinea pedis, and Tinea unguium. 

Epidemiologically, tinea infections diversify significantly 

according to geographic location, climate, socioeconomic 

status and environmental exposure. Although these infections 

are seldom life threatening, chronic dermatophyte contagion 

carries a considerable morbidity. Predisposing factors are 

similar for many dermatophyte infections. Infection with one 

type is often associated with co-infection of another type. 

Atypical, generalized, or invasive dermatophyte infections are 

routinely observed in patients with depressed cellular immunity, 

diabetes mellitus, malignancy, HIV/AIDS, glucocorticosteroid- or 

immunosuppressant therapy.

The general diagnosis of tinea involves the preparation of 

skin scrapings from the affected areas with a drop of 10–20% 

potassium hydroxide (KOH) on a microscope slide. KOH dissolves 

keratin, leaving the fungal cell intact. The presence of hyphae or 

spores confirms the infection, but identification of the specific 

organism requires dermoscopy, mycological culture evaluation, 

or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening. Candida infection 

will show an absence of these hyphae during microscopy. With 

the exception of Microsporum canis and Microsporum andouinii, 

dermatophytes do not fluoresce, and light examination is 

therefore of limited use.

South African Family Practice 2017; 59(3):33-40
 
Open Access article distributed under the terms of the 
Creative Commons License [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0] 
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

Common cutaneous dermatophyte infections of the skin and nails
Andre Marais,1 Elzbieta Osuch2

1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
2Department of Pharmacology& Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Sefako Makghato Health Sciences University, South Africa
Corresponding author, email: dramarais@gmail.com / andre.marais@up.ac.za

Abstract

Superficial fungal infections occur in approximately 20% of the population. Dermatophyte infections are mainly caused by 
organisms from the Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum genera, and should not be confused with infections caused 
by Candida sp. since management may differ. The diagnosis of cutaneous dermatophyte infections are confirmed with potassium 
hydroxide (KOH) preparations as clinical diagnosis is not always accurate, and may result in inappropriate treatment. Most 
dermatophyte infections are successfully managed with topical antifungal preparations; however, systemic therapy provides an 
increased cure rate and reduces re-occurrence. This review focuses on the most common dermatophyte infections seen by South 
African health-care providers and briefly describes the available treatment options, which may differ from agents used elsewhere 
in the world.

Keywords: Tinea pedis, Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis, Tinea crusis, Tinea unguium, pharmacotherapy



S Afr Fam Pract 2017;59(3):33-4034

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Tinea pedis

Tinea pedis, also known as “athlete’s foot”, has been pestering 
humanity for centuries, dating back to its first description in 
medical literature by Pellizzari in 1888. Clinical prevalence 
patterns may vary, but it is estimated that approximately 
25% of the global population is infected by the two most 
common causative pathogens namely Trichophyton rubum and 
Trichophyton interdigitale.2 South African epidemiological studies 
report a 41% prevalence rate, although non-symptomatic 
and occult infections contribute 10–15% of positive culture 
results.3, 4  Predisposing factors are dependent on geographical 
location (customary in tropical countries), socioeconomic status 
(commonplace in crowded living conditions and close proximity 
to animals), environmental exposure (mundane in warm, humid 
conditions, people wearing occlusive shoes, the use of public 
swimming pools), cultural norms (double the infection rate 
in Muslim communities), and co-morbid diseases (typical in 
diabetics, HIV/AIDS and hyperhidrosis). Success in identifying 
genetic predisposition relating to athlete’s foot, including 
potential protective polymorphisms, remains elusive. There is no 
association in regard to race or ethnicity, although the incidence 
increases with age from adolescence, being uncommon prior 
to puberty.5 Athlete’s foot is frequently accompanied by various 
other cutaneous dermatophyte infections.

Tinea pedis generally presents in the interdigital web spaces 
between the third and fourth toes, where it invades the epidermal 
layer of the skin covering the sides and plantar surfaces of the 
feet (Figure 1). 

The lesions typically cause hyperkeratosis and thickening of the 
stratum corneum. In rare instances it may be accompanied by 
an increase in the glandular layer with vesiculobullous eruptions. 
Superficial Tinea pedis infections are outlined by varying degrees 
of pruritus, interdigital scaling and erythematous erosions. The 
disease is not painful, with the exception of vesicular eruptions 
and ulcerations where secondary bacterial infection is typical. 
Clinical diagnosis has an accuracy of approximately 37%, and 
therefore requires segmented hyphae confirmation with a KOH 
preparation, or culture from skin scrapings for identification.6 
Tinea pedis may be mistaken for interdigital candidiasis, atopic 
dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.

Treatment aims to reduce pruritus, limit the spread, and prevent 
secondary bacterial infection. First line topical therapy with 

1.5% ciclopirox olamine applied two to three times per week, 
or 1% tolnaftate applied twice daily for a period of 4 weeks are 
recommended. Systemic therapy with terbinafine 250 mg per 
day for two weeks, itraconazole 200 mg twice daily for one week, 
or fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for two to six weeks are used 
in adults when topical agents fail to elicit a clinical response after 
four weeks.7 Griseofulvin may be prescribed as an alternative, 
but requires prolonged treatment and is less effective compared 
to the azoles. 

Tinea corporis

“Ringworm” is a cutaneous dermatophyte infection occurring on 
the legs and trunk, but repeatedly involve exposed areas such as 
the face, arms, hands and shoulders. The majority of infections 
are caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Other responsible organisms 
include Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton 
violaceum, Microsporum gypseum, and Microsporum audouinii.2 
The prevalence is higher in rural African countries with a 
warm climate.8 South African epidemiological data suggests 
a prevalence of approximately 7%, but might be higher due to 
under reporting as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.9 More 
children are affected than adults, and transmission occurs by 
direct skin contact with an infected individual or animal. Infection 
may also be the result of secondary spread from other colonized 
sites such as the scalp or feet. Tinea corporis gladiatorum is a 
variant observed in wrestlers, and also transmitted by direct skin 
contact.10 

A broad range of manifestations are observed. Lesions present 
with wavering degrees of inflammation, depth of involvement, 
and varying sizes. These lesions may be single or multiple, 
and the size generally ranges from 1 to 5 cm, but larger 
lesions may occur.11 Clinically it presents as a pruritic, round 
often erythematous, scaling patch that heals centrally with a 
remaining raised red active border around the hypopigmented 
central area (Figure 2). This process results in the ring-shaped 
plaque from which the disease derives its common name. Brown 
hyperpigmentation and scarring of the lesions may occur in the 
presence of a secondary bacterial infection. Tinea of the palm 
periodically occurs with Tinea pedis, whereas onychomycosis 
intermittently accompanies tinea of the palm and tinea of the 

Figure 1. Tinea pedis

(Image available from http://www.fungalguide.ca/basics/images/
fungal_4.html)

Figure 2. Tinea corporis of the trunk

(Image available from https://www.dermquest.com/image-library/
image/5044bfcfc97267166cd62a2d?_id=5044bfcfc97267166cd62a2d



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dorsum of the hand. As with athlete’s foot, Tinea corporis require 
differentiation from eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or 
other annular skin eruptions.

Tinea corporis responds well to topical antifungal agents from the 
imidazole (clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole) and allylamine 
(terbinafine, tolnaftate) groups, where it is administered once or 
twice per day for one to three weeks. Treatment is continued for 
at least one week after clinical resolution has been achieved. 
Systemic treatment with terbinafine 250 mg daily for one to 
two weeks, or itraconazole 200 mg daily for one week is usually 
effective in patients with extensive skin involvement, or those 
who fail on topical therapy. Griseofulvin 500 mg to 1000 mg 
per day for two to four weeks, or fluconazole 150 mg once 
weekly for two to four weeks may be used as an alternative. 
The recurrence rate with these agents is high in patients with 
extensive superficial infections and may require prolonged 
treatment. Deep inflammatory lesions require one to three (or 
more) months of oral therapy. Inflammation is reduced with wet 
compresses of Burow’s solution, and appropriate oral antibiotic 
therapy if secondary bacterial infection is present.12-14   

Tinea capitis

Fungal infection of the scalp most often presents in pre-pubertal 
children between the age of 3–7 years, living in poverty-stricken 
areas and low socioeconomic status characterized by crowded 
living conditions. Tinea capitis is more prevalent in boys than girls, 
although the occurrence in post-menopausal women has been 
described.15 Local epidemiological data suggest Trichophyton  
violaceumin being responsible for almost 90% of all infections.9 
Different clinical variants are seen: the most common being 
the “black dot” type accounting for 50% of all cases.  “Black dot 
tinea capitis” is caused by Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton 
violaceumin, and Trichophyton verrucosum (from cattle).  It is 
portrayed by multiple black dots, which represent the hair cortex 
being replaced by fungal spores impeding further exit of the 
growing hair. This results in a weakened hair to coil inside the 
infundibulum, appearing as a black dot with well-demarcated 
areas of hair loss ranging from a few millimeters to several 
centimeters in diameter (Figure 3). It is the most contagious 
form of Tinea capitis, and transmission occurs from contact 
with infected individuals, fallen hairs, animals, or contaminated 
objects such as clothing, bedding, hairbrushes, combs, hats and 
furniture. Red hairs will present a “red dot” pattern. 

The disease may progress to cause a widespread hypersensitivity 
reaction outlined by a diffuse pustular pattern, severe 
inflammation, alopecia, and scaling of the scalp, known as 
kerion. Painful cervical and post-auricular lymphadenopathy, 
including the development of an inflammatory plaque with thick 
crusting or draining pustules, are often present11 (Figure 4). Other 
zoophilic organisms responsible for inflammatory Tinea capitis 
include Microsporum canis (transmitted by infected puppies or 
kittens), and Microsporum gypseum. The non-inflammatory types 
of Tinea capitis are less virulent and causative organisms include 
Microsporum andouinii or Microsporum  ferrugineum

Tinea capitis has a clinical diagnostic accuracy of approximately 
67% during physical examination.16 Laboratory confirmation 
is accomplished by dermoscopy, PCR screening, and culture 
obtained from scalp scale samples. The most costeffective 
collection methods include the toothbrush technique (scalp 
brush scrapings)  and cotton-tip applicator technique (cotton-
tip moistened with water).17 Microsporum canis and Microsporum 
andouinii are the only dermatophytes that allow for diagnosis 
with Wood’s light examination, where they will fluoresce blue-
green.

Systemic therapy with griseofulvin was the drug of choice in 
treating Tinea capitis for many years, and is still used in poor 
countries due to its safety, efficacy and low cost. Griseofulvin has 
remarkable activity against Microsporum species, but requires 
prolonged treatment and therefore reduces compliance. It 

Figure 3: “Black dot tinea capitis”

(Image available from http://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/
content/33/4/e22)

Figure 4. Tinea capitis kerion

(Image available from http://doctorv.ca/medical-conditions/hair/
tinea-capitis-ringworm-fungal-scalp-infection-kerion/)



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is administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 8–10 weeks, 
including Tinea capitis with Microsporum kerion. Shorter courses 
increase the relapse rate. Randomized clinical trials however 
confirmed the newer agents (terbinafine, itraconazole and 
fluconazole) having equal effectiveness, safety, and require much 
shorter duration of treatment.18 Terbinafine is given at a dose of  
3–6 mg/kg/day for a period of 4 weeks in Trichophyton infections 
and 8–12 weeks for Microsporum infections. Itraconazole is 
considered a second line agent if terbinafine and griseofulvin 
are ineffective. It is administered at a dose of 2–-4 mg/kg for 
4–6 weeks.17 Fluconazole is equally effective but also reserved 
as a second line option in children older than 6 months. It is 
administered at a dose of 3–5 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks.   

Monotherapy with topical antifungal agents is ineffective, and 
only used as an adjunct to oral therapy. Topical therapy reduces 
the risk of spread to uninfected individuals. Current guidelines 
recommend washing the hair with shampoos containing 2.5% 
selenium sulfide or 2% ketoconazole two to three times per week 
for a period of 4–8 weeks.17 Daily application was encouraged 
in the past. Family members (or close contacts) need careful 
inspection to exclude infection. It is advisable to shave the hair 
at the start of treatment and 3–4 weeks later.19

Tinea cruris

Tinea cruris, ordinarily known as jock itch, is a dermatophyte 
infection involving the crural fold. It is more common in adult men 
and is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale 
and Epidermophyton floccosum.20 Warm and humid conditions 
such as wearing occlusive clothing, excessive sweating, tropical 
geographic location and a compromised immune system are 
predisposing factors. Jock itch presents unilaterally or bilaterally, 
starting with a red patch on the proximal medial thigh. It most 
often spares the scrotum and penis, but may spread to the 
perineum and perianal area. The infection progresses with 
incomplete central clearing, leaving an erythematous elevated 
and clearly demarcated border containing small itching vesicles 
(Figure 5). 

Diagnosis is similar to other dermatophyte infections, using 
KOH solution to confirm segmented hyphae from skin scrapings 
collected from the active border. Fungal culture will confirm the 
diagnosis. Differential diagnosis includes psoriasis, erythrasma, 
seborrheic dermatitis and candidiasis.11

The treatment is similar to Tinea corporis described above.

Tinea unguium

Yeasts (Candida sp.) or molds cause onychomycosis (nail 
infections), but dermatophyte infections from Trichophyton 
rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale are responsible for the 
majority (85%) of cases. Tinea unguium affects about 10% of 
the worldwide population and accounts for a third of all mycotic 
infections of the skin. It is more prevalent in adults living in urban 
areas. Infection rates increase with age and males are affected 
more than females.21 Other predisposing factors include diabetes 
mellitus, HIV/AIDS, peripheral vascular impairment, sporting 
activities and injury to the nails. The clinical presentation may 
vary according to the manner in which the fungus colonizes the 
nail. The distal hyponychium and lateral side edges of the first toe 
nail are typically affected (Figure 6). Nail thickening, brittleness 
and nail plate discoloration extending proximal with progression 
as the nail grows are common features. 

The disease is not life-threatening but secondary bacterial 
infections, cellulitis, foot ulcers, nail disfigurement and self-
esteem issues are frequently encountered.22 Clinical diagnosis 
is reliable in 50% of cases and successful identification requires 
laboratory analysis of nail clippings and debris from the affected 
nails. Differential diagnosis includes chronic paronychia, viral 
warts, dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail dystrophy.23 

Treatment remains a major challenge, and depends on disease 
severity, causative organism and possible adverse drug effects.  
The relative ineffectiveness of the available pharmacological 
agents is a result of poor drug delivery to the non-vascular and 
impermeable keratin containing nails. Treatment includes topical 
and systemic antifungal agents, laser treatment, photodynamic 
therapy and surgery. Both topical and systemic antifungal 
agents are used to treat onychomycosis where less than 50% 
of the nail is infected. Topical treatment becomes ineffective if 
more than 50% of the nail (or involvement of the matrix/lunula) 
is infected. Children respond more favorably to topical treatment 
because of a thinner nail plate and a faster growth rate.24 Oral 
terbinafine remains the first line agent for mild to moderate 
infections and dosages of 250 mg daily for adults and 62 mg for 

 Figure 5. Tinea cruris

(Image available from http://forums.menshealth.com/
topic/63643898177459471)

Figure 6: Tinea unguium

(Image available from http://lermagazine.com/article/onychomycosis-
remains-a-major-clinical-challenge)



Common cutaneous dermatophyte infections of the skin and nails 37

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children weighing more than 20 kg is recommended. Treatment 
is indicated for a period between 6 weeks and 3 months, with 
a maximum clinical response rate of approximately 80%. 
Itraconazole (200 mg daily for 3 months), provides an alternative 
in patients failing to respond, or those unable to tolerate the 
side effects associated with terbinafine. In addition, itraconazole 
may be administered as pulse therapy requiring 3 sessions. Each 
session involves a dose of 200 mg twice daily for one week, 
followed by a 21 day rest period after which the cycle is repeated. 
The clinical endpoint to this approach is slightly less (75%). Pulse 
therapy with fluconazole 150 mg per week for three months may 
achieve a clinical response of 78%.25 The use of griseofulvine and 
ketoconazole is not recommended considering a high relapse 
rate and unfavorable side effects respectively.  

Topical treatment is limited to specifically indicated agents and 
general topical antifungal agents, including tolnaftate, are of 
negligible use. The only currently available agent include 5% 
amorolfine nail lacquer. It is to be applied once weekly for six 
months. A cure rate of between 38% and 46% can be expected if 
nail involvement is less than 80%.26

Clinical pharmacology of available antifungal agents 
in South Africa

Various pharmacological agents, some briefly described above, 
are available in the treatment of Tinea infections. Considerable 
uncertainty and controversy surrounding their efficacy, the 
optimal treatment period, appropriate dosage and frequency 
of application remain.13 Selective toxicity forms the basis of 
antifungal mechanistic action. Anti-fungal agents are broadly 
categorized according to their ability to disrupt fungal cell wall 
integrity and synthesis (β-glucan synthase inhibitors), ergosterol 
synthesis and cell membrane function ((lanosterol 14 alpha-
demethylase inhibitors, ergosterol binding inhibitors, squalene 
monooxygenase inhibitors, sterol reductase inhibitors), and 
agents disrupting intracellular metabolism, DNA and RNA 
synthesis (Pyrimidine analogues/thymidylate synthase inhibitors, 
mitotic inhibitors, aminoacyl tRNA synthetase inhibitors).  

Disruptors of fungal cell wall integrity and synthesis

Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin) 
are the newest class of antifungal agents. They disrupt fungal 
cell wall synthesis by the inhibition of the enzyme 1,3-β glucan 
synthase, thereby preventing cross-linking of glucans necessary 
to maintain cell wall integrity. These agents are not used in the 
treatment of cutaneous dermatophyte infections.27

Inhibitors of ergosterol synthesis and cell membrane 
function

Azole antifungal agents [imidazoles – (bifonazole, clotrimazole, 
econazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole and 
miconazole), and triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, 
posaconazole and voriconazole)] arrest fungal growth by 
inhibiting the cytochrome P450 enzyme 14-alpha-sterol-
demethylase responsible for the conversion of lanosterol to 
ergosterol, an essential molecule of the cell membrane.28 These 
agents have a broad spectrum of activity against candidiasis and 

dermatophytosis, however individual agents differ in their ability 
to elicit a favorable clinical response to the various types of 
tinea infections. With the exception of ketoconazole, imidazole 
antifungals are mostly available as topical preparations requiring 
treatment for at least 14 days after the lesion has healed. Side 
effects are minimal and limited to hypersensitivity reactions 
when applied locally. Systemic administration of ketoconazole 
may result in hepatotoxicity, cardiac rhythm disturbances, 
endocrine dysregulation, photosensitivity, dyspepsia, nausea 
and abdominal discomfort. In addition, it inhibits the CYP3A4 
hepatic iso-enzyme, therefore being responsible for a myriad of 
drug interactions.29 Triazole derivatives have a broader spectrum 
of uses and are superior to imidazoles in treating systemic 
or severe dermatophyte infections. First generation agents 
(itraconazole and fluconazole) are mostly used in severe tinea 
infections, whereas the second-generation drugs (voriconazole 
and posaconazole) are indicated for other invasive and systemic 
fungal infections not described here. Adverse effects include 
dizziness, nausea, headache, abdominal pain and skin rash.30 
Drug interactions with azoles are diverse. Co-administration 
may increase the toxicity of warfarin, benzodiazepines, digoxin, 
cisapride, cyclosporine and statins. The efficacy of the azoles is 
reduced by rifampicin phenytoin and cimetidine.31 

Ergosterol binding polyene antifungals such as nystatin 
and amphotericin B are not used in the management of 
dermatophytosis. These agents are used for candida infections 
and severe systemic fungal infections caused by aspergilosis, 
cryptococcus, and blastomycosis.32

Allylamines (terbinafine and tolnaftate) arrest ergosterol 
biosynthesis my inhibiting the enzyme squalene monooxygenase. 
This results in ergosterol deficiency and squalene accumulation 
causing fungal cell death.33 Terbinafine is one of the most 
frequently prescribed oral and topical antifungal agents in the 
management of various cutaneous dermatophyte infections 
due to its low incidence of side effects and drug interactions. 
Systemic side effects are rare, but may include gastro-intestinal 
disturbances, skin reactions and drug interactions with agents 
metabolized by the CYP2D6 iso-enzyme system. It should be 
used with caution in those with hepatobiliary dysfunction. 
Duration of treatment depends on clinical response but may 
be administered for periods up to six months.34 Tolnaftate is 
only indicated for very superficial infections without hair follicle 
involvement. Topical application may cause skin irritation. Both 
terbinafine and tolnaftate remain inferior to the azoles. 

Sterol reductase inhibitors (morpholines), such as amorolfine, 
deplete ergosterol availability due to the accumulation of 
inactive ignosterol in the fungal cytoplasmic cell membranes. 
This agent is exclusively used to treat onychomycosis, and 
is applied to infected nails in a 5% solution. The effectivity is 
increased if used in combination with a systemic anti-fungal 
agent and ranges between 60% to 70% if applied twice weekly 
for a period of up to six months.35 Side effects are mild and may 
cause nail discoloration, separation from the nailbed or allergic 
reactions. 



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Disruptors of intracellular metabolism 

The mechanism of action of ciclopirox is still largely elusive, 
but recent studies indicate that topical administration disrupts 
fungal DNA repair by inhibiting the ion transfer mechanism 
across fungal cell membranes. It is applied as a cream or shampoo 
twice daily for a period of four weeks. Ciclopirox is indicated 
in onychomycosis and the management of seborrheic scalp 
dermatitis, where application is done twice weekly. Mild local 
reactions characterized by redness, pruritus, pain and a burning 
sensation of the skin occurs in approximately 5% of patients.36

Griseofulvin has been used as an antifungal agent since the late 
1930s. It binds to fungal tubulin thereby disrupting microtubule 
function and inhibiting cell mitosis at metaphase.37 With the 
exception of Tinea versicolor, it displays a wide range of activity 
against dermatophyte infections of the skin, hair and nails 
not adequately responding to topical therapy. Griseofulvin 
is administered orally and relies on the presence of a fatty 
meal for increased absorption where it ultimately binds to 
keratinocytes, making it resistant to further fungal invasion. 
This mechanism ensures that newly formed keratin remains 
free of fungal elements. Metabolism is largely by the liver and 
acts as an inducer of CYP3A4 iso-enzymes.38 Caution should 
therefore be taken in patients on warfarin therapy, or females 
taking oral contraceptives where the therapeutic effect may 
be reduced. Other common adverse effects include headache, 
gastrointestinal discomfort and skin rash. A few incidences of 
Steven-Johnson Syndrome, leucopenia and CNS symptoms have 
been reported. Griseofulvin is teratogenic and contra-indicated 
in pregnancy. It may damage sperm, and male patients are 
advised not to father children until six months after treatment.39 

Selenium sulfide is indicated for the treatment of Tinea capitis 
and Tinea versicolor caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum 
species. It interferes with antimitotic action, resulting in a 
reduction in the turnover of epidermal cells by limiting the cross 
linkages within keratin molecules.40 Side effects are rare but may 
include allergic skin reactions, rash, swelling of the tongue or 
face, dizziness or difficulty in breathing. 

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