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An update on tinea capitis in children

Tinea capitis, a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair follicles, is a significant dermatological issue, particularly among pediatric populations. It is less frequently observed after the onset of puberty, and is attributed to the emergence of a protective/fungistatic quality in sebum. Although adults are less frequently impacted, instances of the disease have been recorded among adults, particularly in African American patients. In post-menopausal caregivers, this occurrence may be linked to their close proximity to infected children and the diminishing protective quality in sebum, which is hormonally stimulated, particularly in ectothrix rather than endothrix infection.

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 Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)

Scalp ringworm is treated with oral antifungal medicines because the fungus invades deep into the hair follicle, where topical creams and lotions cannot penetrate. Scalp ringworm usually requires at least 6-8 weeks of treatment with oral antifungal pills, such as with: Terbinafine. Fluconazole. Itraconazole. Griseofulvin.

Articles of Interest

A Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge: Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte scalp infection with a marked prevalence among the pediatric population. However, in the last few years, its epidemiology has changed due to increasing population migration worldwide. Host-specific and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of tinea capitis. Clinically, tinea capitis may present as a subtle hair loss accompanied by scalp scaling, alopecia with scaly patches, or alopecia with black dots. A more severe form of tinea capitis is represented by kerion celsi, which clinically presents as a tender plaque covered by pustules and crusts.

Comprehensive Review of Tinea Capitis in Adults: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentations, and Management

The mainstay of therapy is oral antifungal therapy, and topical therapy alone is not recommended. Since tinea capitis infection is uncommon in adults, there are no widely accepted treatment guidelines. Rather, the same medications used for tinea capitis infection among children are recommended for adults at varying doses, including griseofulvin, and terbinafine, and, less commonly, itraconazole and fluconazole. The prognosis for tinea capitis in adults is typically excellent when prompt and adequate treatment is administered; however, delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can result in scarring alopecia.

Fungal Scalp Infection (Or Tinea Capitis) - How To Identify & Treat It?

Are you dealing with an itchy, flaky or patchy scalp? Then trust us when we say - don’t take it lightly. While there could be minor reasons behind this, one of the possibilities is that you may have a fungal scalp infection called tinea capitis. So, why do you need to take this condition seriously? Because, it is a highly contagious infection that can spread from one person to another through combs, hair tools and towels. So what exactly is it and how can you prevent or treat it?

Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis needs to be treated with oral antifungal medication (which can only be obtained on prescription) AND a medicated antifungal shampoo (purchased over the counter from a pharmacy) to reduce spread of the fungus to other people.

Tinea capitis in adults

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is uncommon after puberty. When it occurs in adults the clinical features may be atypical and this may delay the diagnosis.1 Unless the possibility of dermatophyte infection is considered, unnecessary investigations may be performed and inappropriate treatment prescribed... Tinea capitis should be considered in all adults with a patchy inflammatory scalp disorder.

Tinea Capitis: Current Status

Topical antifungal therapy has little place in the management of tinea capitis except as an adjunct to oral therapy.

Tinea Capitis: Trends in Spain

While the condition became epidemic during the 19th century, when it was predominantly caused by anthropophilic dermatophytes, the incidence fell with the advent of treatment with griseofulvin, after which zoophilic dermatophytes became the main etiologic agents. Although the true incidence of tinea capitis in Spain today is unknown, the condition continues to be a public health problem.

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StatPearls

Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm or herpes tonsurans infection, is a fungal infection of the scalp hair. It is caused primarily by the dermatophyte species Microsporum and Trichophyton. The fungi can penetrate the hair follicle's outer root sheath and ultimately may invade the hair shaft. Clinically, tinea capitis can be divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types. The non-inflammatory type usually will not be complicated by scarring alopecia.