FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS

Treating Common Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections are among the most prevalent skin conditions in the world, collectively affecting an estimated 20% to 25% of the global population. Some of the most common superficial fungal infections of the skin include tinea versicolor, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris. Each fungal infection affect distinct body sites and present with characteristic signs, but share a common thread: they are caused by fungi that exploit warm, moist, or sebum-rich skin environments to establish infection.1,2,3

Tinea versicolor (also known as pityriasis versicolor) affects the trunk, shoulders, and upper back, producing patches of discolored, finely scaled skin that may appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.4
Tinea corporis ("ringworm") causes a ring-shaped, scaly, inflamed lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.5
Tinea pedis ("athlete's foot") is the most common dermatophyte infection worldwide that targets the feet, particularly the spaces between the toes.6
Tinea cruris ("jock itch") affects the groin, inner thighs, and surrounding skin, and frequently co-occurs with tinea pedis, as the same organism can spread from foot to groin through shared clothing or self-contact.7
While these conditions are all types of fungal skin infections, there is an important difference in how they develop. Tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The most common types are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi produce enzymes that allow them to break down keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin, which enables them to grow and spread. These infections can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, contaminated surfaces, or shared personal items. Growth and spread are more likely in warm, humid environments, as well as in conditions such as prolonged moisture on the skin, tight or non-breathable footwear, and skin irritation from sweating.5,6,7
Tinea versicolor, by contrast, is caused not by a dermatophyte but by Malassezia, a yeast that is actually part of the skin's normal flora. Under certain conditions, including heat, humidity, oily skin, hormonal shifts, or immune suppression, this yeast can change into a more active form, disrupting the skin's pigmentation and producing the characteristic discolored patches.4

POTENTIAL TREATMENTS

EXELDERM® Cream is an antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea versicolor. EXELDERM Cream is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

EXELDERM® Solution is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea versicolor. Effectiveness of EXELDERM Solution has not been proven in tinea pedis. EXELDERM Solution is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

References:
  1. Dellière, S., Jabet, A., & Abdolrasouli, A. (2024). Current and emerging issues in dermatophyte infections. PLoS Pathogens, 20(6), e1012258.
    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012258
  2. Van Alfen, B., Peddireddy, N., Hall, M., Lim, H., Scheufele, C., Furth, G., Wilkes, D., Carletti, M., & Weis, S. E. (2026). Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Tinea Corporis. HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine, 7(1), 93–103.
    https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.2256
  3. Saunte, D. M. L., Gaitanis, G., & Hay, R. J. (2020). Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 10, 112.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
  4. Karray, Mehdi, and William P. McKinney. “Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482500/
  5. Yee, Garrett, et al. “Tinea Corporis.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544360/
  6. Nigam, Pramod K, et al. “Tinea Pedis.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470421/
  7. Pippin, Micah M., et al. “Tinea Cruris.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554602/

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are antifungal agents indicated for the treatment of tinea cruris and tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis,* and for the treatment of tinea versicolor. *Efficacy for this organism in the organ system was studied in fewer than 10 infections. EXELDERM® Cream is also indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Effectiveness of EXELDERM® Solution has not been proven in tinea pedis.

SUMMARY OF RISK INFORMATION FOR EXELDERM® CREAM AND SOLUTION

CONTRAINDICATIONS: EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

PRECAUTIONS: Use EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, as directed by your physician only. EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. If irritation develops, the cream or solution should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Sulconazole nitrate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Sulconazole nitrate has been shown to be embryotoxic in rats when given in doses of 125 times the adult human dose (in mg/kg). The drug was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at oral doses of 50 mg/kg/day. Sulconazole nitrate given orally to rats at a dose 125 times the human dose resulted in prolonged gestation and dystocia. Several females died during the prenatal period, most likely due to labor complications.

It is not known whether sulconazole nitrate is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when sulconazole nitrate is administered to a nursing woman.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: There were no systemic effects and only infrequent cutaneous adverse reactions in 1185 patients treated with sulconazole nitrate cream in controlled clinical trials. Approximately 3% of these patients reported itching, 3% burning or stinging, and 1% redness. These complaints did not usually interfere with treatment.

There were no systemic effects and only infrequent cutaneous adverse reactions in 370 patients treated with sulconazole nitrate solution in controlled clinical trials. Approximately 1% of these patients reported itching and 1% burning or stinging. These complaints did not usually interfere with treatment.

These preparations are not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.

For topical use only. Please see Full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are antifungal agents indicated for the treatment of tinea cruris and tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis,* and for the treatment of tinea versicolor. *Efficacy for this organism in the organ system was studied in fewer than 10 infections. EXELDERM® Cream is also indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Effectiveness of EXELDERM® Solution has not been proven in tinea pedis.

SUMMARY OF RISK INFORMATION FOR EXELDERM® CREAM AND SOLUTION

CONTRAINDICATIONS: EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

PRECAUTIONS: Use EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, as directed by your physician only. EXELDERM® (sulconazole nitrate) Cream and Solution, 1.0% are for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. If irritation develops, the cream or solution should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Sulconazole nitrate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Sulconazole nitrate has been shown to be embryotoxic in rats when given in doses of 125 times the adult human dose (in mg/kg). The drug was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at oral doses of 50 mg/kg/day. Sulconazole nitrate given orally to rats at a dose 125 times the human dose resulted in prolonged gestation and dystocia. Several females died during the prenatal period, most likely due to labor complications.

It is not known whether sulconazole nitrate is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when sulconazole nitrate is administered to a nursing woman.

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: There were no systemic effects and only infrequent cutaneous adverse reactions in 1185 patients treated with sulconazole nitrate cream in controlled clinical trials. Approximately 3% of these patients reported itching, 3% burning or stinging, and 1% redness. These complaints did not usually interfere with treatment.

There were no systemic effects and only infrequent cutaneous adverse reactions in 370 patients treated with sulconazole nitrate solution in controlled clinical trials. Approximately 1% of these patients reported itching and 1% burning or stinging. These complaints did not usually interfere with treatment.

These preparations are not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.

For topical use only. Please see Full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.