Final answer:
Antifungals are used to treat dermatophytosis via topical or oral medications that disrupt fungal cell membrane ergosterol production. Topical options include clotrimazole and miconazole, while oral treatments feature terbinafine and griseofulvin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antifungals play a crucial role in the treatment of dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin commonly referred to as ringworm. Various antifungal treatments target the cell membrane of the fungus by disrupting the production of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell walls. Topical antifungals, such as miconazole and clotrimazole, are commonly used for skin infections including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis. Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine and griseofulvin may be used when topical treatments are ineffective. Griseofulvin, a naturally produced antifungal, specifically inhibits fungal cell division by interfering with microtubule function. Terbinafine, belonging to the allylamines class, impedes an early step in ergosterol biosynthesis and can be administered either topically or orally for severe infections. It is critical to know that not all forms of ringworm are treated with the same antifungal medication, and in cases where the standard treatment fails, a medical professional may perform additional diagnostic tests to tailor the antifungal therapy more effectively.