Abstract

Tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and pityriasis versicolor are common superficial fungal infections in the pediatric population. • Tinea capitis is the most common dermatophyte infection worldwide. In North America, the cause is almost exclusively T tonsurans. Diagnosis of tinea capitis usually can be made by clinical features alone, especially when occipital or postauricular lymphadenopathy is present. Skin scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide for microscopic examination, or a cotton swab for fungal culture, usually are diagnostic. • Treatment of tinea capitis requires systemic antifungal therapy. Terbinafine and griseofulvin are both effective against T tonsurans and are FDA-approved for this indication in children. • Adjunctive topical therapy for the patient and household contacts decreases transmission of this infection. • Topical antifungal therapy usually is effective for tinea corporis and pityriasis versicolor. However, recurrences of pityriasis versicolor are common.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Kelly BP

Institution

Tufts University School of Medicine, Bayside Children's Hospital, Springfield, MA, USA.

Source

Pediatrics in review / American Academy of Pediatrics 33:4 2012 Apr pg e22-37

MeSH

Antifungal Agents
Child
Dermatomycoses
Humans
Tinea
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Versicolor
World Health

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22474120