Abstract

RECENT ADVANCEMENT IN TRANSUNGUAL THERAPIES: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Abhanya Surendran*, Dr. Ann Rose Augusthy, Anjana Lekshmi S. S, Dr. Vipin K. V., Nejina V. Hussain and Dr. K. Premaletha

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Abstract

Onychomycosis is a prevalent fungal infection of the nail affecting about 14% of the people worldwide, particularly the elderly, diabetics and persons with impaired immune systems. Despite their effectiveness, oral antifungal therapies are constrained by systemic side effects and high recurrence rate. Transungual drug delivery presents a promising substitute, offering a targeted treatment with reduced systemic absorption and fewer adverse effects. Advances in transungual drug delivery such as liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, ethosomes and different types of nanoparticles, are explored in this review. Additionally, innovative techniques such as electrochemotherapy, mesoscissioning technology, nano patch nail fungus are discussed for their promising results in onychomycosis therapy. These advancements represent a significant leap towards more effective and patient compliant treatments for onychomycosis, addressing the limitations of conventional therapies. This paper highlights the potential of novel drug delivery approaches and techniques in the treatment of onychomycosis and calls for further investigations and clinical studies to ensure the safety, effectiveness and patient compliance.

Keywords: onychomycosis, transungual drug delivery, novel drug delivery, novel techniques.