Research Scholar, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
*Email: aklakshaikh1998@gmail.com
Received: 14th Sep, 2025; Revised: 25th Oct, 2025; Accepted: 16th Nov, 2025; Available Online: 1st December, 2025
Inflammatory fungal infections of the skin represent a widespread clinical challenge, characterized by persistent inflammation, high recurrence rates, and reduced patient quality of life. Although topical antifungal therapy remains the first-line treatment for superficial mycoses, conventional dosage forms such as creams, ointments, and gels are often limited by poor patient adherence, inadequate residence time on the skin, and suboptimal therapeutic efficacy. In this context, film-forming topical spray systems have emerged as a promising alternative, offering improved drug retention, uniform application, and sustained release at the site of infection. Upon application, these systems form a thin, continuous polymeric film that adheres to the skin surface, creating a localized drug reservoir capable of prolonged antifungal and anti-inflammatory action. This review critically examines the pathophysiology of inflammatory fungal infections and provides a comprehensive overview of film-forming topical spray systems, including formulation principles, key components, and design considerations. Furthermore, major formulation challenges such as drug solubility, film integrity, skin permeation, and safety concerns are discussed in detail. Current evaluation and characterization strategies, along with regulatory and translational considerations, are also highlighted. Finally, emerging research trends and future perspectives, including smart and nanotechnology-enabled film-forming systems, are explored to underscore the potential of this advanced topical delivery platform in improving the management of inflammatory fungal infections.
Keywords: Film-forming spray, Topical antifungal delivery, Inflammatory, Polymeric films, Skin drug permeation.
How to cite this article: Gafar SA, Kinger HK. Emerging Film-Forming Topical Spray Systems for Inflammatory Fungal Infections: Formulation Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1): 568-582; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.1.64
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None