What's new in the treatment and diagnosis of dermatophytosis?

Superficial fungal infections of the skin and nails are common in humans and can cause patients substantial discomfort. Additionally, patients may find the physical appearance of these infections to be distressing. Although the infectious fungi have evolved to parasitize humans, the ability to treat and diagnose fungal infections has been slower to progress. Nevertheless, there are promising new advancements in the treatment and diagnosis of dermatophyte infection. New topical and light-based treatments for dermatophytoses are available, and the first meta-analysis of topical antifungal treatments has been performed. Diagnostic improvements are forthcoming for dermatophytoses with the advent of molecular techniques for rapid identification and speciation of dermatophytes.