In-Vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Salicylic Acid and Palm Oil on the Dermatophytic Fungus Causing Athlete’s Foot Disease

Athlete's foot, or Tinea pedis, is a widespread fungal infection primarily affecting the skin between the toes, caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.  This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro effects of salicylic acid and palm oil on dermatophytic fungus responsible for Athlete’s foot disease.  Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined for salicylic acid and palm oil.  The agar well diffusion method was used to measure the zone of inhibition at various concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of both substances.  The MIC was assessed using Sabouraud Dextrose Broth at concentrations of 3.12%, 6.25%, and 12.5%.  Results indicated significant inhibitory effects of both salicylic acid and palm oil against the dermatophytes causing athlete's foot.  The highest zone of inhibition was observed at 100% concentration for both substances: 5.50 mm for salicylic acid and 4.3 mm for palm oil.  At 50% and 75% concentrations, the inhibition zones were 3.67 mm and 3.97 mm for salicylic acid and 2.20 mm and 3.00 mm for palm oil, respectively.  The MIC for both substances was determined to be 3.12%, while the MFC was 3.12% for salicylic acid and 6.25% for palm oil, indicating stronger fungicidal properties for salicylic acid.  Salicylic acid and palm oil show promise as agents against Tinea pedis.  Further public health efforts are recommended to raise awareness about the prevention and transmission of the disease.