Developments in the management of superficial fungal infections.

In the common superficial mycoses, caused by the dermatophytes and by Candida spp., the established agents, amphotericin B and griseofulvin (themselves important advances over the previously available simple topical preparations) have been limited in effectiveness in some situations. The introduction of the azole group of drugs, with a broad spectrum of activity and availability in varied preparations, has diversified the treatment possibilities in dermatophytoses and candidosis, and also in pityriasis versicolor and related conditions. Two other introductions appear promising: terbinafine has been very effective in early trials in dermatophytoses, and amorolfine may have a particular role in isolated nail infection, whether caused by dermatophytes or by less common fungi.