Experimental dermatophyte infection abated by povidone-iodine: assessment by computerized-assisted corneofungimetry.

The effect of antiseptics upon fungal growth inside human stratum corneum is poorly documented. Therefore the present study was undertaken to assess the anti-dermatophyte activity of a diluted povidone-iodine wash solution using the corneofungimetry bioassay. When compared to a non-medicated cleansing product, regular applications of the antimicrobial for two weeks significantly abated the fungal invasiveness inside human stratum corneum. The present findings are most likely relevant for the clinical practice.