Related Experiment Videos
Intermittent short duration therapy with fluconazole is effective for tinea capitis
A K Gupta1, P Adam, S L Hofstader
1Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center (Sunnybrook Site) and the University of Toronto, Toronto N6K 1L6, Canada. agupta@execulink.com
The British Journal of Dermatology
|September 1, 1999
Summary
Oral fluconazole effectively treats tinea capitis in children. This antifungal medication demonstrated high cure rates and safety in a study of pediatric patients with fungal scalp infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection affecting children.
- Effective and safe treatment options are crucial for managing pediatric tinea capitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral fluconazole for treating tinea capitis in children.
- To assess treatment outcomes and patient compliance with a specific fluconazole regimen.
Main Methods:
- An open, multicenter investigation involving 48 pediatric patients.
- Treatment involved oral fluconazole (6 mg/kg daily) for 2 weeks, with an optional additional week if clinically indicated.
- Mycological and clinical cure were assessed at 12-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- 42 children were evaluable, with causative organisms primarily Trichophyton tonsurans.
- 88.1% of evaluable patients achieved mycological and clinical cure.
- The treatment regimen was well-tolerated with no reported adverse effects and high compliance.
Conclusions:
- Oral fluconazole at 6 mg/kg daily for 2-3 weeks is an effective and safe treatment for pediatric tinea capitis.
- This regimen offers high cure rates and good patient compliance.
- Further studies with larger patient cohorts and zoophilic species are warranted.