Antibacterial, antidermatophytic and anticandidal agents can be employed, alone or in suitable combinations, for the topical treatment of skin infections and infected dermatoses. For various reasons, however, it is preferable to use broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Important aspects of their therapeutic activity can be assessed by improved microbiological tests in vitro, including comparisons with clinically accepted reference substances; examples of such tests with some relevant compounds are given.