Superficial mycoses of the skin, nails and hair caused by dermatophytes,
non-dermatophyte molds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi are among the most common
morbidity of the skin, especially in tropical regions of the world. Various antifungal
agents, including polyenes, fluoropyrimidines, echinocandins, and azoles, have been
commonly used, topically and/or orally, for the treatment of superficial mycoses.
Nevertheless, the conventional treatment guideline is not always successful due to drug
resistance as well as the possibility of drug interactions and side effects. Recently, the
search for new antifungal compounds, such as naphthoquinones, anthraquinones,
terpenoids, saponins and flavonoids from medicinal plants toward novel drug
development, has attracted a lot of attention. This chapter describes the common
superficial mycoses as well as their pathophysiology, epidemiology and current
treatment options. Promising herbal extracts or phytochemicals and their products used
as therapeutic alternatives for combating superficial mycosis are also highlighted.
Keywords: Antifungal, Candidiasis, Dermatophytes, Phytochemicals, Superficial mycoses, Tinea versicolor.
