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Tinea capitis: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Tinea capitis, a fungal infection, is increasing in the US, particularly among children. While griseofulvin is standard, newer antifungals like itraconazole and terbinafine show promise for treating this difficult-to-control infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, has seen a notable increase in the United States since the 1970s.
- The infection is primarily caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and disproportionately affects Black children, but is not limited by race or age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in controlling tinea capitis.
- To discuss current and potential therapeutic options for tinea capitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tinea capitis epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment.
- Analysis of the efficacy of established and emerging antifungal agents.
Main Results:
- Tinea capitis presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to subtle infections, asymptomatic carriage, and fomite transmission.
- Griseofulvin remains a primary treatment, but itraconazole and terbinafine demonstrate potential as effective alternatives.
- Adjunctive therapies including selenium sulfide shampoo, prednisone, and oral antibiotics are commonly employed.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of tinea capitis requires addressing its complex transmission dynamics and exploring novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of fomites and optimize decontamination protocols.