Tenia Pedis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pharmacotherapy and Emerging Role of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Therapy

Tinea pedis is a very common fungal infection that affects a significantly large number of people globally. Tinea pedis is one of the most common superficial fungal infections of the skin, with various clinical manifestations and is predominantly caused by dermatophytes such as trichophyton rubrum and trichophyton interdigital. Conventional diagnostic techniques and antifungal pharmacotherapy remain effective but are limited by poor drug permeation, low bioavailability, and patient noncompliance. Recent advances in nanotechnology have highlighted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a promising platform for topical antifungal delivery. SLNs enhance drug penetration across the stratum corneum, enable sustained drug release, and improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of athlete’s foot, critically evaluates existing pharmacotherapeutic options, and highlights the emerging role of SLN-based formulations as an innovative strategy for optimized management of tinea pedis. Another aims to revisit this important topic and will detail the recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of tinea pedis while highlighting the lack of clarity of certain management issues.