A Review on Herbal Antifungal Creams: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Future Prospects in Dermatological Therapy

Fungal infections, ranging from superficial skin conditions to life-threatening systemic diseases, present a growing global health challenge. The rise in fungal resistance to conventional antifungal agents, coupled with an increasing number of immunocompromised individuals, underscores the urgent need for novel antifungal therapies. This review explores the current landscape of antifungal treatments, including traditional agents such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, as well as emerging alternatives like novel small molecules, biologics, and immunotherapies. It discusses the mechanisms of action, resistance patterns, and clinical effectiveness of these therapies, as well as recent advancements in antifungal drug discovery. The review also highlights the ongoing efforts to improve drug delivery systems, minimize side effects, and overcome resistance through combination therapy strategies. Finally, it emphasizes the need for continued research to better understand fungal pathogenesis, resistance mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions in order to design more effective and targeted antifungal treatments for diverse patient populations.