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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 4/2005

01-08-2005 | Therapy in Practice

Pediatric Tinea Capitis

Recognition and Management

Authors: Dr Matthias Möhrenschlager, Hans Peter Seidl, Johannes Ring, Dietrich Abeck

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 4/2005

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Abstract

Tinea capitis (ringworm of the head) is the most common dermatophytosis of childhood with an increasing incidence worldwide. If suspected clinically, further diagnostic procedures, including direct microscopy and culture, should be performed. Other scalp alterations, such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic eczema, psoriasis, alopecia areata, folliculitis, and pseudopelade, may mimic ringworm of the head and must be identified.
A proven fungal infection of scalp skin and hairs warrants immediate initiation of systemic treatment. At present, only oral griseofulvin is approved for therapy of scalp ringworm in children by health authorities. However, the advent of several newer antifungal agents such as itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine has broadened the therapeutic armamentarium in recent years. These agents offer shorter treatment intervals, and their adverse effects and drug interaction profiles appear to be well within acceptable limits.
In patients with tinea capitis, systemic therapy at weight-dependent dosages for an appropriate amount of time in conjunction with topical supportive measures will help to prevent disfiguring hair loss, permanent formation of scar tissue, spread of fungal organisms to other cutaneous regions, and infection of other persons.
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Metadata
Title
Pediatric Tinea Capitis
Recognition and Management
Authors
Dr Matthias Möhrenschlager
Hans Peter Seidl
Johannes Ring
Dietrich Abeck
Publication date
01-08-2005
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 4/2005
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200506040-00001

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