Tinea Capitis in Infants

The study reported on 15 cases of tinea capitis in infants under 1 year old, with 10 boys and 5 girls, aged 45 days to 12 months. Most presented with scaling patches of hair loss, and a few with a kerion. Diagnosis was confirmed through potassium hydroxide preparation and culture, identifying infections primarily with Microsporum canis and Trichophyton species. Treatment with topical imidazole and griseofulvin was successful in 13 patients, while 2 were treated with terbinafine. The study concluded that tinea capitis, though rare in infants, should be considered in cases of hair loss or scalp inflammation. In the U.S., T tonsurans was the most common cause, often transmitted through direct contact or fomites, while M canis was typically acquired from pets. The recommended treatment was oral griseofulvin, with other antifungals being less commonly used due to limited experience and safety concerns in infants.