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

May 2024 in “ Journal of Fungi ”

Ray Hill, Jeremy A W Gold, Shari R. Lipner

tinea capitis griseofulvin terbinafine scarring alopecia antifungal therapy antifungal resistance trichoscopy PCR KOH preparations fungal culture ringworm of the scalp Lamisil

Studysummary This review reports that tinea capitis is uncommon in adults, with postmenopausal African American or Black women at higher risk, and emphasizes the importance of prompt antifungal treatment to prevent complications. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

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.

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