Diagnosis of mycotic skin infections and principles of antimycotic therapy

Abstract

A wide range of topical and systemic products are now available for the treatment of mycotic skin infections. T he choice of an appropriate therapy requires reliable microbiological diagnostics and knowledge of the exact mechanism of action and side effects of antimycotics. Risk-benefit considerations are important in the choice of therapy, including the patient’s co-morbidities and the medication used, as well as compliance. If all these issues are carefully considered, and antimicrobials are used at the correct dose and for the proper duration, infection treatment can be successful. However, the modification of virulence factors and the increasing antifungal resistance may be a challenge for the practitioner.