Tinea Capitis
Dermatophyte infection of the scalp (tinea capitis) has returned in epidemic proportions, particularly affecting inner city children. The predominant organism is T. tonsurans. This organism can produce an inflammatory or relatively noninflammatory infection that may present with either well-defined or irregular, diffuse areas of mild scaling and hair loss.
KOH examination of scale or hair from patients with tinea capitis or inflammatory tinea corporis often does not reveal hyphae, and diagnosis may require culture or biopsy.
Treatment of Tinea Capitis
Markedly inflammatory tinea capitis may result in scarring and hair loss, and systemic or topical glucocorticoids may be helpful in preventing this sequela.
Children should be treated with 15 to 20 mg/kg as a single daily dose given with a fatty meal. The adjunctive use of topical antifungal agents in addition to systemic therapy may be useful, but topical therapy alone is not adequate. ]
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