Tinea capitis

Background

  • Infection caused by dermatophytes that feed on keratin

Tinea Types

Clinical Features

Tinea Capitis
  • Scaly, variable pruritus
  • Patchy alopecia

Differential Diagnosis

Neonatal Rashes

Diagnosis

  • Clinical diagnosis

Treatment

  • Treatment involves oral antifungal with topical antifungals not effective due to inadequate penetration of hair follicles and may miss sites of subclinical infection
  • Griseofulvin Microsize: 20-25 mg/kg/day (max 1000mg) x 6-12 weeks; Ultramicrosize: 10-15 mg/kg/day (max 750mg) x 6-12 weeks (first line)
    • No labs needed before griseofulvin treatment. However if repeat courses or if therapy continued beyond 8 weeks then obtain CBC and LFTs.
    • Give with fatty food (like peanut butter, ice cream) for better absorption. Therapy can fail due to lack of absorption.
  • Terbinafine 10-20kg: 62.5mg daily; 20-40kg: 125mg daily; >40kg: 250mg daily x 4-6 weeks is alternative first line however need LFTs prior to therapy (can be taken without regard to meals)
  • Second line (both below with limited efficacy data):
  • Adjunctive interventions
    • Selenium sulfide 1 or 2.5%, ciclopirox 1%, or ketoconazole 2% shampoo at least twice weekly to decrease shedding of fungal spores
    • Use of antifungal shampoo by other household members may also decrease the risk for reinfection
    • Combs and hair trimming equipment be cleaned mechanically and disinfected (eg, with household bleach)

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

References