Tinea Capitis: An Updated Review

Tinea capitis was a scalp fungal infection mainly caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis, most common in children aged 3 to 7. It manifested in non-inflammatory forms, such as circular alopecia with scaling, and inflammatory forms like kerion and favus. Diagnosis was supported by dermoscopy and confirmed through microscopic examination and fungal culture. Systemic antifungal treatment with oral agents like terbinafine and griseofulvin was crucial, as topical treatments alone were inadequate due to poor penetration of hair follicles. However, topical antifungals could help reduce spore transmission and serve as an adjunct to systemic therapy, potentially improving cure rates.