Theranostic nanomaterials for scalp and hair fungal infections: advancing diagnosis and treatment amidst challenges

Fungal infections of the scalp and hair are usually caused by fungi like Trichophyton spp. Microsporum spp. and Malassezia furfur. These are major global health concerns but are often overlooked and misdiagnosed. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance and other challenges, like early detection methods, inefficient delivery of the antifungal agents, and their side effects, are important challenges in the treatment of such infections. These challenges can be overcome by using nanomaterials, which have been emerging as promising solutions. The nanomaterials are reported to play a key role in combating scalp and hair infections caused by different fungi. This review highlights the major fungal infections of the scalp, conventionally used antifungal agents, nanomaterials used in diagnosis, nanocarriers for the delivery of drugs, the toxicity of nanomaterials, and safety. Nanomaterials can inhibit the growth of emerging and existing pathogens, especially those resistant to conventional fungicides used to treat scalp and hair infections. The lower efficacy of current antifungal drugs has created a need for alternative antifungal strategies for these infections. In this context, nanomaterials offer promising potential as fungicidal agents that could be used alone or in combination with existing antifungals to combat scalp and hair infections more effectively.