Treatment of tinea capitis: beyond griseofulvin.

Author(s): Elewski BE

Affiliation(s): Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, USA.

Publication date & source: 1999-06, J Am Acad Dermatol., 40(6 Pt 2):S27-30.

Publication type: Review

Tinea capitis is a common pediatric scalp infection caused by dermatophytes. Topical therapy alone is ineffective, so oral griseofulvin has traditionally been the standard treatment. The new antimycotic agents itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole represent effective treatment alternatives that have fewer problems with tolerability and adverse effects. More comparative studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment with these agents and adjuvant therapies such as antifungal shampoos, topical antimycotic agents, and corticosteroids.