Tinea capitis

Abstract

Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp and scalp hair is the most common dermatophytosis of childhood and is caused by dermatophytes belonging to the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton. It is contagious and communicable and is also a notifiable disease in the United States of America and United Kingdom. This infection may be transmitted via infected persons, select animal vectors and by fomites. The clinical presentation depends on the type of hair invasion and the level of host resistance. Griseofulvin has been the drug of choice for the past five decades, but the newer antifungal agents such as fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine have also been found to be safe and effective in the treatment of tinea capitis.