Preventive potential and action mechanism of essential oils against dermatophytes

Abstract

Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton are the most common potential dermatophytes responsible for skin infections. Their spread is fast, but available management is not up to the mark. This is mainly due to resistance developed by dermatophytes. The high manufacturing cost, non-ecofriendly nature, many side effects and even high toxicity of synthetic antidermatophytes necessitated the development of alternative natural drugs. These are in the form of herbal extracts and/or essential oils. Some are also from commercially available herbal formulations. This chapter compares the antidermatophytic action of common synthetic antifungals and different herbals useful for prevention of dominant dermatophytes, besides giving information on the preventive potential and mechanism of action of different essential oils vis-a-vis some synthetic antifungals.