Dermatologists across India have warned of “an epidemic of fungal infections” that even the strongest antifungal creams are failing to treat. The bigger concern: topical steroid creams, which doctors say have turned these infections resilient, are fast-selling products and are readily available over the counter, even as their efficacy remains questionable.
A host of fungal skin infections have turned recurrent, relapsing soon after the drug dosage is over. “This is a fungal epidemic. A fungal infection that was so easy to manage and was 100 per cent curable is now so difficult to treat. At least 50 per cent of these infections are not reacting to treatment. Drugs once effective are no longer so,” says Dr. Nina Madnani, consultant dermatologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.
