BACKGROUND: Dermatophytes are notorious pathogenic fungi that threaten human health and reduce quality of life. METHODOLOGY: Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PWEO on two dermatophytes ( RESULTS: We found that the main components of PWEO are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenoids. The PWEO had strong antifungal activity, and the MIC of PWEO against both dermatophytes was 3.600 mg/mL. PWEO significantly inhibit mycelial growth, and the inhibitory effect increases significantly with increasing concentration. When the PWEO concentration reaches 1.8mg/mL, mycelial growth is completely inhibited. Microscopic observation showed that PWEO destroy the structure of hyphae. The cell membrane permeability test indicated that the cell membrane of dermatophytes was damaged by PWEO. Cellular malondialdehyde (MDA) content was positively correlated with the concentration of PWEO, suggesting that lipid peroxidation of dermatophytes was caused by PWEO. Fluorescence microscopy images showed excessive production of ROS and disruption of MMP in dermatophytes after PWEO treatment. Physiological experiment of