About tinea capitis:
Tinea capitis is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles. The disease is considered to be a form of superficial mycosis or dermatophytosis. Several synonyms are used, including ringworm of the scalp and tinea tonsurans. In the United States and other regions of the world, the incidence of tinea capitis is increasing.
There are currently no effective topicals available for the treatment of tinea capitis.
Systemic administration of itraconazole and terbinafine are used most commonly for the treatment of tinea capitis. The potential for side effects with systemic antifungals is a special concern considering that the majority of patients are preadolescent children. |
