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Advancements in Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Topical Management of Superficial Fungal Infections: A Detailed

Rojalika Mohanty1, Aradhana Panigrahi1, Himansu Bhusan Samal1

  • 1School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Khorda, Odisha, India.

Current Drug Research Reviews
|June 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Superficial fungal infections are common and hard to treat with conventional creams. Nanotechnology offers advanced topical treatments with improved drug delivery and better patient outcomes for fungal diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Superficial fungal infections like candidiasis and dermatophytosis are globally prevalent, causing significant healthcare burdens due to recurrence and treatment resistance.
  • Conventional topical treatments often fail due to poor drug penetration, short residence time, and incomplete patient adherence.
  • Existing therapies struggle with deep penetration, prolonged efficacy, and patient compliance, necessitating advanced treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biology of superficial fungal infections.
  • To explore the limitations of current topical antifungal treatments.
  • To examine the advancements in nanotechnology-based carriers for topical antifungal therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in innovative drug delivery systems for topical fungal infections.
  • Analysis of nanotechnology-based carriers designed to enhance drug solubility, permeation, adherence, and spreadability.
  • Evaluation of novel systems' potential to overcome limitations of conventional topical formulations.

Main Results:

  • Nanocarrier systems including liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles show improved therapeutic outcomes over traditional topical formulations.
  • Novel drug delivery systems enhance drug solubility and permeation, reduce dosing frequency, and mitigate side effects.
  • These advanced systems can help bypass common mechanisms of antifungal resistance, leading to better treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Nanotechnology-based carriers represent a significant advancement in treating superficial fungal infections.
  • These novel approaches offer improved safety, clinical utility, and long-term potential compared to existing treatments.
  • Innovative drug delivery systems hold the promise to revolutionize treatment strategies for superficial fungal infections.
Keywords:
Transdermalantifungalscandidadermatophytosismicrosporum.topical managementtrichophyton

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