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Tinea capitis update: a continuing conflict with an old adversary.
1Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|November 22, 2001
Summary
Tinea capitis infections in children are increasing, especially in African-Americans, with the common fungus Trichophyton tonsurans. Current treatments like griseofulvin show decreased effectiveness, prompting research into new antifungal medications.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a prevalent childhood fungal infection with evolving epidemiology.
- Trichophyton tonsurans is the predominant cause in the United States.
- Recent trends show a significant rise in tinea capitis incidence, particularly among African-American children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the changing epidemiology of tinea capitis.
- To assess the current treatment efficacy of griseofulvin.
- To highlight advancements in diagnosis and novel therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent epidemiologic data on tinea capitis.
- Analysis of clinical studies on griseofulvin treatment response.
- Evaluation of emerging diagnostic techniques and new antifungal drugs.
Main Results:
- Trichophyton tonsurans is the leading cause of childhood tinea capitis in the US.
- A notable increase in tinea capitis cases among African-Americans has been observed.
- Decreased sensitivity to griseofulvin is suggested in recent clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- The changing epidemiology of tinea capitis necessitates updated treatment strategies.
- Newer antifungal medications like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole show promise.
- Improved diagnostic methods, such as the cotton swab technique, are being re-emphasized.