Tinea Capitis
Summary
This is an article that describes the basic concepts of Tinea capitis.
Basics
This is a superficial cutaneous infection caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. The other name used to describe a tinea infection is ringworm. This infection appears on the scalp of patients.
Description
1. Round or patchy areas of baldness
2. Scaling
3. Stumps of broking hair
Management
General
- Prevent the infection from spreading to others. Advise the patient to not share any clothes, towels, or toiletries.
- Avoid shaving the head in children.
Medical
- Adults: Fluconazole 200mg PO weekly for 6 weeks.
- Children: Fluconazole 6mg/kg PO OD for 28 days.
Note
Fluconazole has an FDA pregnancy category C, which means the following: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant the use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Therefore, fluconazole should not be given to women of child bearing age unless the patient is using an effective contraceptive.
References and Further Reading
1. The National Department of Health, South Africa: Essential Drugs
Programme. Primary Healthcare Standard Treatment Guideline and
Essential Medicine List. 7th ed. South African National Department of Health;
2020.
2. Figure 1: Gzzz. Teigne tondante enfant. CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Fluconazole (Diflucan) use during pregnancy (no date) Drugs.com. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/5n6m3cas (Accessed: November 1, 2022).
2. Figure 1: Gzzz. Teigne tondante enfant. CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Fluconazole (Diflucan) use during pregnancy (no date) Drugs.com. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/5n6m3cas (Accessed: November 1, 2022).
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