Nanoemulsion-Based Gel of Terbinafine for Topical Treatment of Dermatophytosis

Superficial fungal infection of the skin is common, and terbinafine remains one of the most effective agents against the dermatophytes that cause it. Its low water solubility and the barrier function of the stratum corneum limit what a conventional cream can deliver. This review brings together published work on nanoemulsions as carriers for terbinafine and on their conversion into gels for topical use. It covers the clinical problem, the choice of oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, gelling agents, characterisation, permeation testing and tolerability. Published studies generally report small droplets, good stability and improved skin deposition over marketed creams, but most rely on in vitro or animal models. This review reports no new experimental data.