Review on Anti-Fungal Cream

Greek word "kosmesticos," meaning "adorn," is the root of the word "cosmetic." When the use of cosmetics began to gain popularity in ancient Rome, this concept first emerged. Generally speaking, cosmetics are products designed to be applied to the human body by methods such as rubbing, spraying, or sprinkling in order to clean, enhance attractiveness, beautify, or alter one's appearance. The term "cosmetics" refersto cosmetics with specific medicinal advantages. These things were often made by female slaves called "cosmetae" in the past, which is where the word "cosmetics" originated. Applying makeup has been a prevalent practice for generations, and its primary objective is to improve one's appearance. The first known people to apply cosmetics for beauty were the Egyptians, who employed simple. Topical medication delivery is the technique of applying a preparation containing a medicine to the skin to treat cutaneous conditions (like acne) or cutaneous symptoms of a systemic disease (like psoriasis). Limiting the pharmacological or other effects of the substance to the skin's surface or interior is the goal. The main objective of this distribution approach is to confine the substance's pharmacological or other effect to the skin's surface or inside ofit. For the distribution of different dose forms, three primary strategies are frequently used. Formulations known as topical semisolids are designed to have a local effect when applied to the skin or mucous membranes. In medicine, semi-solids are primarily employed as protective, emollient, and therapeutic agents^{(Error! Reference source not found.}

Topical dosage forms are distinguished into following major categories:

· Semisolid topical dosage form

· Cream

· Ointment

· Paste

· Lotion

Topical administration can also be defined as the application of a dosage form containing a drug directly onto the skin to address a general illness or skin condition, such as fungal infections, with the aim of achieving the main goal.

Merits Of TDDS

• Very slow absorption.
• Reduced systemic side effects.
• Improved patient compliance.
• Directly applies the drug to the affected area ,reducing systemic absorption and side effects.
• Improved bioavailability.
• Flexibility in dosing.
• Reduced dosing frequency. ^{(Error! Reference source not found.}

Physiology Of Skin:

The largest organ in the body, the skin makes up over 15% of the total weight. In addition to providing defense against external physical, chemical, and biological threats, it also prevents excessive water loss from the body and plays a part in thermoregulation.

The structure of skin distinct into 3 layers:

• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous gland

a) Epidermis:- The epidermis represents the outermost layer of the skin, serving as a delicate yet protective barrier made up of epithelial cells. Epidermis plays important role in safeguarding body against external elements such as moisture loss, temperature fluctuations, and harmful pathogens. It undergoes a continuous process of renewal through the mechanisms of cell division and shedding.

b) Dermis: -

This layer posseses flexibility due to the presence of collagen and elastic fibers are interwoven in the matrix, which is made of connective tissue. Pregnancy and obesity may cause persistent ridges, or stretch marks, which are caused by the rupture of elastic fibers in the skin.

c)Sub-cutaneous gland: The sub-cutaneous layer, referred to as the hypodermis, constitutes the deepest layer of the skin. It is primarily made up of adipose tissue, which consists of fat cells, along with connective tissue. This layer plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, storing energy, and providing protection to the muscles and bones situated beneath it. The thickness of the subcutaneous layer can differ significantly, with greater fat accumulation observed in specific regions such as the buttocks and thighs. Additionally, this layer houses blood vessels, nerve ending ^{(Error! Reference source not found.}

Creams are uniform, semi-solid, or viscous formulations which is used for topical  application on the skin or  mucous membranes for therapeutic, preventive, or protective functions. These formulations typically consist of dispersions or solutions containing one or more active ingredients within suitable bases. To ensure compatibility with skin secretions, the formulations are typically based on eighter water attracting (hydrophilic) or water repelling (hydrophobic).The base must possess qualities such as smoothness, inertness, odorless, and both physical and chemical stability, while also being compatible with the skin and any incorporated medications. Additionally, it should not induce skin irritation or sensitization, nor impede the healing process of wounds^{. (Error! Reference source not found.}

Types Of Cream:

Water-in-oil (Water/Oil) creams : Which consist of small water droplets distributed throughout an oil phase. Water- in-oil (W/O) cream is created when oil serves as the dispersion medium and water as the dispersed phase^{(Error! Reference source not found.}

Classification Of Topical Creams^{(Error! Reference source not found.}

Table 1: Classification Of Creams

General Ingredients Used in Topical Creams:

The raw materials which are used in a manufacturing of skin creams include:

a)Water:  Water is a fundamental component in cream formulations,offering an economical and readily available solvent for dissolving various ingredients.To ensure safety and efficacy.Creams employ purified water that is devoid of contaminants and toxins.The proportion of water in formulation can significantly influence its texture and stability ,sometimes resulting in oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions ,depending on the relative quantities of oil and water phases.

b)Oil, waxes and fats:These substances, along with their derivatives, are a necessary component of creams. Depending on their function, waxes serve as emulsifiers, fats as thickeners, and oils as preservatives, fragrances, etc.

 1. Mineral oil: Ex. Light and heavy liquid paraffin.

 2. Glyceride-oil: Example. Butter, Canola oil.

c)Waxes : Cream is made from a variety of waxes, including beeswax and carnauba wax. Waxes are utilized in cosmetics because they keep the liquid and oil components of an emulsion from separating. These waxes also stick to the skin's surface and thicken the lipid layer.

Fats: Creams are prepared by various types of fats. These substances can be derived from minerals, plants, or animals.

Lanolin : The two forms of lanolin—hydrous lanolin, which has a water content of 25–30%, and anhydrous lanolin, which has a faint odor and a melting point of 38°C to 42°C.Which is derived from sheep's wool fat and lubricate the skin's surface, giving it a silky, smooth appearance.

d)Colors: Before the development of modern technology, color was mostly derived from natural substances like indigo, saffron, turmeric, and others. After the 19th century, it was found that colors produced in labs were more stable and intense. They could also be produced without the usage of wild plants.

e)Emollients: Emollients are productsthat help soften or treat dry skin. The majority of skin care products contain humectants, which are significant, multipurpose ingredients.

f)Humectants: Hydroscopic organic compounds are called humectants. These are the substances that have the ability to absorb and hold into moisture. Example:Glycerin.

g)Perfumes: These are the substances that impart a scent or odor ,such as a pleasant smell are known as perfumes. For Example: Rose water.

h)Preservatives: Preservatives are plays important role in cosmetics to avoid contamination and alterations the growth of microorganisms during various stages,including formulation,transportation,storage,and consumer to use ,can be employed to prevent changes brought on by oxygen exposure. Low concentrations of synthetic preservatives effectively preserve the product^{(Error! Reference source not found.(Error! Reference source not found.}

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGES:

1) Easy to apply.

2) To avoid first pass metabolism.

3) Avoid of risk.

4) Patient convenience.

5) Effective use of law dose daily dose of drug with follow-up treatment.

6) No specific drug Administration ration on any age groups.

7) Water washable, easy to wipe away.

8) Targeted delivery.

9) Improved bioavailability.

10)Non-invasive and easy to use, improving patient compliance.

11)Reduced risk of drug interactions^{. (}Error! Reference source not found.(Error! Reference source not found.(Error! Reference source not found.

DISADVANTAGES:

1) Irritation caused because alteration of skin physiology.

2) Hydrophilic drugs having less penetrability.

3) Allergies may caused due to incompatibility.

4) Only narrow plasma concentration drugs incorporate into formulation.

5) Active ingredients not penetrate deep enough into the skin or tissue.

6) Creams can leave a greasy residue on the skin or clothing.

7) Creams can have a shorter shelf life due to stability issues^{.(Error! Reference source not found. (Error! Reference source not found.(Error! Reference source not found.}

Fungal Infection:

Definition:

A fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a disease caused by the overgrowth of fungi, such as yeasts or molds, on the skin, in the body, or on internal organs. Fungal infections, also known as mycoses, are a growing concern worldwide. They can affect anyone, but those have use immunosuppressive treatment patients suffers mostly.

Types Of Fungal Infection:

a)Superficial Fungal Infections: In superficial  infections affect the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Examples include –

Ringworm –

Jock itch –

Nail fungus-

b)Deep Fungal Infections: These infections penetrate the inner tissues and organs of the body.

Examples include: -

Pneumonia (lung infection)

Meningitis (infection of the brain)

Bloodstream infections - Organ infections (such as those affecting the kidneys or liver)

Fungi typically inhabit moist areas such as the vaginal region, beneath the breasts, and where  the warm,moist cervices between the toes create an environment that’s essential for skin irritation. Yeasts (like Candida or Malassezia furfur) or dermatophytes (like Epidermophyton) are commonly responsible for fungal skin infections. The startum corneum represents the outermost protective layer of skin is where many of these fungus only exist. Because they have more skinfolds than typical, obese people are more prone to these conditions, particularly if the skin inside a skinfold deteriorates and becomes inflammatory (intertrigo). Fungal infections are also more common in people with diabetes. It's odd that rashes on healthy portions of the body can result from fungal infections in other areas.

Symptoms:

1)Alterations in the skin may manifest as redness, along with potential cracking or peeling.

 2)Itching Causes of fungi skin infection:

 Imbalance of bacteria is due to following reasons:

? excessive use of antibiotics

? Hormonal changes/imbalance

? loss of appetite

Diagnosis-:

1. Visual inspection: Examination of the affected skin area for characteristic signs such as redness, itching, and scaling.

 2. Medical history: Assessment of the patient's medical history, including previous fungal infections, allergies, and medications..

Treatment -:

Antifungal Drugs

Fungal infections are generally managed with antifungal medications. These medications are often administered topically to the infected region, utilizing forms such as gel,cream,lotions.In certain instances, antifungal agents may be prescribed for oral consumption. Alongside pharmacological treatment, maintaining dryness in the affected area through the use of powders or opting for open-toed footwear can prove beneficial^.( Error! Reference source not found.

Antifungal Cream-:

Antifungal agents are offered in various topical formulations on the market, including creams, ointments, and powders designed for dermatological treatment.

Concept Of Antifungal Cream:

Antifungal creams are topical preparations that inhibit fungal growth, treating fungal skin infections like Tinea pedis, ring root, and Moniliasis. They: -

Relieve symptoms like itching, burning, and redness - Prevent recurrence by creating an environment unfavorable to fungal growth.

 - Contain active ingredients like azoles, allylamines, and polyenes that inhibit fungal cell membrane synthesis or function^{. (Error! Reference source not found.}

Table 2: Marketed Formulation of Antifungal Creams:

Formulation Of Creams:

Cream are solid emulsions. They essentially consist of an oil phase, and an emulsifying agent. A cream consist of.

1)Drug

2)Cream base

3)Preservatives

       
           
       
  Evaluation Parameters Of Creams: