How is tinea capitis treated?

Although topical antifungal agents work well for tinea corporis, they are of little value in treating tinea capitis. Systemic antifungal agents are required to eradicate the spores that invade affected hair shafts. A course of treatment generally takes 1 to 3 months. Griseofulvin is the treatment of choice because it is safe and effective, rarely causing significant side effects. Ultramicrosized formulations of griseofulvin can be given in half the dose required with microsized forms of the drug. Fungal resistance to griseofulvin is rare. For the few patients whose tinea capitis is resistant to griseofulvin, or who cannot tolerate griseofulvin because of side effects (such as headache or gastrointestinal upset), terbinafine and itraconazole are acceptable alternatives.

Andrews MD, Burns M: Common tinea infections in children, Am Fam Physician 77(10):1415–1420, 2008.