Griseofulvin is prescribed for which type of fungal infection?

Griseofulvin is primarily indicated for cutaneous infections, specifically those caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that infect the skin, hair, and nails. It works by inhibiting fungal cell mitosis, effectively preventing the fungi from multiplying and spreading. This makes it particularly effective for treating conditions such as ringworm and athlete's foot, which are localized to the skin but can also require systemic treatment due to their persistence or severity.

While cutaneous infections may seem directly linked to the term "cutaneous," the systemic character of griseofulvin’s administration should be emphasized. The drug must be taken orally to be effective, as it is absorbed into the keratinized tissues of skin, nails, and hair, and this systemic absorption is crucial for achieving the necessary therapeutic concentrations in these areas.

In contrast, oral infections typically refer to conditions like oral thrush, which are usually treated with antifungals other than griseofulvin. Topical infections may be treated with creams or ointments, and systemic infections require different antifungal agents that penetrate deeply into the body, indicating that griseofulvin is most appropriately grouped with cutaneous infections rather than the other types mentioned.