Spectrum and Burden of Dermatophytes in Children

June 2017 in “ Journal of infection/The Journal of infection ”

Leila E. Ferguson, L. C. Fuller

Tinea capitis alopecia Trichophyton tonsurans terbinafine mycological cure dermatophyte infections molecular diagnostics scalp ringworm hair loss Lamisil

TLDR The document concludes that terbinafine is effective for treating scalp fungal infections in children and recommends not excluding them from school during treatment, while also highlighting the need for updated treatment guidelines due to changing infection patterns.

The 2017 document reports on the prevalence and management of Tinea capitis, a common fungal scalp infection causing alopecia in children, particularly in inner-city and developing regions. Trichophyton tonsurans is identified as the main cause in the UK. The paper suggests terbinafine as an effective treatment and stresses the importance of confirming mycological cure. It advises against school exclusion if treatment is underway and recommends screening and treating asymptomatic carriers in the family. The document also notes the rise of new dermatophyte infections due to global travel and the potential of molecular diagnostics to improve diagnosis. It acknowledges the changing epidemiology of dermatophyte infections and the need for updated treatment protocols.

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