Topically applied antifungal agents. Percutaneous penetration and prophylactic activity against trichophyton mentagrophytes infection.

Penetration and prophylactic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection of topically applied antifungal agents were studied in human volunteers. The concentration and persistence of drug in the stratum corneum was determined after different treatment schedules and from different vehicles. Measurable levels of griseofulvin, clotrimazole, miconazole nitrate, and thiabendazole remained in the skin four days after discontinuation of topical applications. Griseofulvin, miconazole, and clotrimazole exhibited prophylactic activity against infection by T mentagrophytes spores in a standardized test. Griseofulvin was a significantly better prophylactic agent than either miconazole or clotrimazole.