Comprehensive Review of Tinea Capitis in Adults: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentations, and Management

The review on tinea capitis (TC) in adults highlights its epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentations, and management. TC, though more common in children, is increasingly reported in adults, particularly postmenopausal African American or Black women. Risk factors include crowded living conditions, proximity to animals, immunosuppression, and living with affected children. Diagnosis involves fungal culture, KOH preparations, and trichoscopy, with PCR showing higher sensitivity. Effective management requires oral antifungal therapy, with griseofulvin and terbinafine being common choices. Rising antifungal resistance underscores the need for antifungal stewardship. Delayed diagnosis can lead to scarring alopecia, emphasizing the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.