Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis, a common fungal infection of the scalp in children, especially those of African descent, was primarily caused by Trichophyton tonsuran in North America. Clinical presentations varied, including seborrheic, pustular, black dot, kerion, and scaly annular forms. Griseofulvin was the preferred treatment, but higher doses (20-25 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) were needed due to increased treatment failures. New antifungal agents like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole offered shorter treatment courses (≤4 weeks) and were effective and well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common side effect. Adjunctive therapies, such as sporicidal shampoos, were recommended to reduce infection spread. Corticosteroid use for kerions was controversial, with recommendations for short bursts or topical application in severe cases.