Cutaneous skin infections are among the most prevalent diseases, induced by an array of bacterial [1,2], fungal [3], and viral pathogens [4,5]. Skin infections (e.g. cellulitis, ecthyma, measles, necrotizing fasciitis, necrotizing soft tissue infections, necrotizing pyomyositis, etc.) vary from mild diseases like impetigo and athlete's foot to life-threatening conditions like necrotising fasciitis. The development of resistance of pathogenic microorganisms [6,7] to traditional antibiotics and antifungal drugs has driven the need for new drug delivery systems [8].

The skin poses a special challenge to drug delivery because of the existence of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer that consists of keratinized cells. Although topical formulations like creams, gels, and ointments have been used, their effectiveness is usually compromised by limited penetration and fast clearance [9, ∗∗10, 11]. Lipid nanocarriers have been at the centre of attention for their ability to transcend these challenges through increased drug permeation and skin layer retention [12].

Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), provide controlled and sustained release of drugs, thus improving therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing systemic toxicity. The carriers can encapsulate hydrophilic and lipophilic [13] drugs, enhancing their stability and bioavailability. Their structural flexibility also enables surface functionalization, improving targeting to the infected cells and reducing off-target effects [14].

Recent studies have shown the promise of lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNs) in treating bacterial and fungal skin infections. Encapsulation of antimicrobial drugs in these carriers improves drug solubility and stability and shields the active ingredients from enzymatic degradation [15,16].

Another exciting feature of LBNs is their synergistic antimicrobial potential. Some lipid components, like fatty acids and phospholipids, have inherent antimicrobial activity that can boost the efficacy of the encapsulated drugs. Multifunctional nanocarriers with the addition of bioactive agents or stimuli-responsive materials can also further enhance therapeutic efficacy by offering targeted/off-targeted and on-demand drug release [16, 17, 18, 19].

This review expounds on the different forms of LBN, their benefits in topical use, and how they can be used to treat skin infections. By tackling the current shortcomings and harnessing the potential of nanotechnology, lipid-based drug delivery systems can transform the treatment of skin infections and help combat the increasing menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).