1
|
A Retrospective Study of Tinea Capitis Management in General Pediatric Clinics and Pediatric Emergency Departments at 2 US Centers. J Pediatr 2021; 234:269-272. [PMID: 33794219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We examine management practices of tinea capitis at 2 US academic centers. The majority of providers treated tinea capitis with the oral antifungal agent griseofulvin and did not obtain a fungal culture. We recommend newer antifungal treatments such as terbinafine and fluconazole and obtaining a fungal culture for effective treatment.
Collapse
|
2
|
Mayser P, Nenoff P, Reinel D, Abeck D, Brasch J, Daeschlein G, Effendy I, Ginter-Hanselmayer G, Gräser Y, Hipler UC, Höger P, Kolb-Mäurer A, Ott H, Schaller M, Zidane M. S1 guidelines: Tinea capitis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020; 18:161-179. [PMID: 32026639 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tinea capitis describes a dermatophyte infection of scalp and hair that predominately occurs in children. The diagnostic workup includes microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular tests. Treatment is guided by the specific organism involved and should consist of systemic agents as well as adjuvant topical treatment. The aim of the present update of the interdisciplinary German S1 guidelines is to provide dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners with a decision tool for selecting and implementing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with tinea capitis. The guidelines were developed based on current international guidelines, in particular the 2010 European Society for Pediatric Dermatology guidelines and the 2014 British Association of Dermatologists guidelines, as well as on a review of the literature conducted by the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consists of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guidelines were approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Partnership Pietro Nenoff, PhD, MD & Constanze Krüger, MD, Laboratory for Medical Microbiology, Rötha OT Mölbis, Germany
| | | | | | - Jochen Brasch
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of Schleswig Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Georg Daeschlein
- Department of Dermatology, Greifswald University Medical Center, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Isaak Effendy
- Department of Dermatology, Bielefeld Medical Center, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Gräser
- National Reference Laboratory for Dermatophytes, Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Peter Höger
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Dermatology/Allergology, Catholic Children's Hospital Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Kolb-Mäurer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Würzburg University Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hagen Ott
- Department of Pediatric Dermatology and Allergology, Auf der Bult, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Zidane
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Babbush KM, Manning JR, Fresco A, McLellan B, Blasiak R, Gittler J, Lee DH. Comment on: “Efficacies and merits of the cotton swab technique for diagnosing tinea capitis in the pediatric population”. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:e193-e194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
4
|
Le M, Ghazawi FM, Gabrielli S, Alkhodair R, Sheppard DC, Jafarian F. Reply to: “Comment on ‘Efficacies and merits of the cotton swab technique for diagnosing tinea capitis in the pediatric population’”. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:e195-e196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
5
|
Mayser P, Nenoff P, Reinel D, Abeck D, Brasch J, Daeschlein G, Effendy I, Ginter-Hanselmayer G, Gräser Y, Hipler UC, Höger P, Kolb-Mäurer A, Ott H, Schaller M, Zidane M. S1‐Leitlinie Tinea capitis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2020; 18:161-180. [PMID: 32026649 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14026_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Partnerschaft Prof. Dr. med. Pietro Nenoff & Dr. med. Constanze Krüger, Labor für medizinische Mikrobiologie, Rötha OT Mölbis, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Jochen Brasch
- Universitäts-Hautklinik Kiel, Universitätsklinikums Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Georg Daeschlein
- Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Isaak Effendy
- Hautklinik, Klinikum der Stadt Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| | | | - Yvonne Gräser
- Konsiliarlaboratorium für Dermatophyten, Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Peter Höger
- Pädiatrie und Pädiatrische Dermatologie/Allergologie, Katholisches Kinderkrankenhaus Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Annette Kolb-Mäurer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Hagen Ott
- Pädiatrische Dermatologie und Allergologie, Auf der Bult, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Martin Schaller
- Universitäts-Hautklinik Tübingen, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Miriam Zidane
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology und Allergology, Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) and Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Le M, Gabrielli S, Ghazawi FM, Alkhodair R, Sheppard DC, Jafarian F. Efficacies and merits of the cotton swab technique for diagnosing tinea capitis in the pediatric population. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:920-922. [PMID: 31940462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Le
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sofianne Gabrielli
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Feras M Ghazawi
- Division of Dermatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rayan Alkhodair
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Jafarian
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Mediprobe Research, Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sheila Fallon Friedlander
- Dermatology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Dermatology Training Program, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fuller LC, Barton RC, Mohd Mustapa MF, Proudfoot LE, Punjabi SP, Higgins EM. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of tinea capitis 2014. Br J Dermatol 2015; 171:454-63. [PMID: 25234064 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L C Fuller
- Department of Dermatology, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Alopecia in childhood is a source of high concern, frustration, and anxiety. Delineating types of alopecia and those that are chronic or potentially related to underlying medical problems is important. There are 5 common types of hair loss in children: alopecia related to tinea capitis, alopecia areata spectrum/autoimmune alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania/trichotillosis. Hair-cycle anomalies including loose anagen syndrome can lead to sparse-appearing hair. Rarer reasons for alopecia in children include pressure-induced alopecia, alopecia related to nutritional deficiency or toxic ingestion, and androgenetic alopecia. Congenital lesions should be considered for areas of localized alopecia occurring at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Castelo-Soccio
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 2nd Floor Dermatology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan P Kelly
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Bayside Children's Hospital, Springfield, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Chen C, Koch LH, Dice JE, Dempsey KK, Moskowitz AB, Barnes-Eley ML, Hubbard TW, Williams JV. A randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy of selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children. Pediatr Dermatol 2010; 27:459-62. [PMID: 20735804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2010.01093.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to compare the efficacy of selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children. Forty children aged 1-11 years with clinically diagnosed tinea capitis were randomized to receive selenium sulfide shampoo 1% or ciclopirox shampoo 1% twice a week as adjuncts to an 8-week course of ultramicronized griseofulvin dosed at 10-12 mg/kg/day. At weeks 2, 4, and 8, subjects returned to the clinic for evaluation and scalp cultures. Subjects then returned for follow-up visits 4 weeks after completing treatment. Overall, by 8 weeks, 30 of 33 (90.9%) treated children demonstrated mycological cure. Selenium sulfide shampoo 1% and ciclopirox shampoo 1% were equally effective as adjunctive treatments for tinea capitis in children in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage: laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and management. Mycopathologia 2007; 165:61-71. [PMID: 18034369 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Asymptomatic carrier is defined as an individual who has dermatophyte-positive scalp culture without signs or symptoms of tinea capitis. The prevalence of asymptomatic carriage differs from region to region with a rate of 0.1-49%. Anthropophilic dermatophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton violaceum, have been generally associated with high rates of asymptomatic carriage. Hence, the presence of dermatophytes on healthy scalp hairs of children may be a potential source of infection for schoolmates, playmates and/or households. Although it was also reported in adults, most carriage has been observed in children especially among those between 4 and 8 years of age, while male to female ratios vary between studies. It is still unclear, whether carriers should be treated with topical antifungal shampoos or oral antifungals or both, as some studies indicate that some untreated cases become culture-negative after 2-12 months. This review provides details on related dermatophyte fungi, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, ways of spreading as well as treatment and follow-up results of asymptomatic carriage. An integration into the school health programs is proposed, which will render the possible dealing of the subject in a comprehensive and reasonable manner.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bonifaz A, Isa-Isa R, Araiza J, Cruz C, Hernández MA, Ponce RM. Cytobrush-culture method to diagnose tinea capitis. Mycopathologia 2007; 163:309-13. [PMID: 17520340 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This is a comparative study to isolate the dermatophytes of tinea capitis using the cytobrush and comparing it versus the standard method. A prospective, observational, comparative trial of 178 probable cases of tinea capitis was conducted in two dermatological centers. Each patient underwent mycological tests that included direct exam with KOH and cultures with either of two methods: scraping the scalp to remove hair and cell debris, and the cytobrush. A total of 135 clinically and mycologically proven cases of tinea capitis were included; 119 were non-inflammatory and 16 inflammatory tinea. A total of 131 had a positive direct exam and subsequent primary isolation cultures were obtained in 135 cases. The main dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum canis (68%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (20%). A total of 115/135 (85.1%), were detected with the traditional method, with an average of 11.2 days until positive, while the number detected with the cytobrush was 132/135 (97.7%) with an average of 8.5 days until positive. The chi-square statistical method showed that the cytobrush culture was superior to the standard one with a chi-square of 5.078 (P = 0.025), with a statistically significant difference versus the standard method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandro Bonifaz
- Dermatology Service & Mycology Department, Hospital General de México OD, Sanchez Azcona 317 int 202, Col del Valle, Mexico, DF, Mexico.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ilkit M, Demirhindi H, Yetgin M, Ates A, Turaç-Biçer A, Yula E. Asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage in school children in Adana, Turkey. Mycoses 2007; 50:130-4. [PMID: 17305777 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01335.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic dermatophyte scalp carriage and symptomatic tinea capitis in Adana Province, Cukurova region, Turkey. For this purpose, a screening study was performed in five schools, between January 2004 and May 2005, covering a total of 5143 children with 2740 (53.3%) boys and 2403 (46.7%) girls, aged 7-14 years (9.6 +/- 2.0). The diagnosis was made using the cotton swab method with inoculation onto Sabouraud glucose agar amended with cycloheximide, chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Among 10 (0.2%) cases, six asymptomatic carriers (mean age 10.7 +/- 2.3) and four symptomatic cases (mean age 8.3 +/- 0.5) were detected, all of whom were boys and had immigrated from the south-eastern and eastern region of Anatolia, Turkey. The mean age differences were found to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U=3.000, P=0.046). Boys were found to be more prone to asymptomatic carriage (P=0.033), but not tinea capitis (P>0.05). Zoophilic dermatophytes, namely Microsporum canis (40%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (40%) were the most commonly isolated species, followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton tonsurans (10%), while no causative agent was detected in a case (10%) with tinea capitis superficialis. Scalp cultures were found to be dermatophyte-negative after 3- to 8-month follow-up in cases with asymptomatic carriage. As a conclusion, the prevalence of asymptomatic carrier state was similar with the prevalence of symptomatic cases, and we found a predominance of zoophilic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Macit Ilkit
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Nield
- Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shiraki Y, Hiruma M, Hirose N, Sugita T, Ikeda S. A nationwide survey of Trichophyton tonsurans infection among combat sport club members in Japan using a questionnaire form and the hairbrush method. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54:622-6. [PMID: 16546582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2005] [Revised: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 11/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emerging outbreak of Trichophyton tonsurans infection among members of combat sports clubs in Japan during the last 4 years has become a serious public health problem. To overcome this outbreak, a survey for T. tonsurans infection in Japan may be essential. OBJECTIVES We sought to clarify the prevalence of T. tonsurans infection among members of combat sports clubs in Japan. METHODS We conducted a survey of members of participating combat sports clubs using a standardized questionnaire to assess background factors and using the hairbrush method to identify T. tonsurans infection. Statistical significance of the correlation between data from the questionnaire and the hairbrush culture results was determined. RESULTS We surveyed 1000 people (826 male) from 49 institutions and found 115 (11.5%) were positive for T. tonsurans infection revealed by the hairbrush method. Demographic factors associated with high positive rates (> or =20%) of the infection were familial T. tonsurans infection (20.0%), history of tinea corporis (24.2%), increased dandruff (32.1%), and concomitant tinea corporis (31.6%). Those with positive hairbrush culture results without current or previous tinea were considered asymptomatic carriers. LIMITATIONS The study population was limited to members of judo clubs all over Japan; they were asked to participate in this survey via the All Japan Judo Federation. CONCLUSION Infection of T. tonsurans appears to have spread widely among members of combat sports club in Japan. The questionnaire used in this study is a simple and useful tool to estimate epidemiology of this infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Shiraki
- Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Currently, many experts consider griseofulvin to be the drug of choice for tinea capitis. It is FDA approved for this indication, highly efficacious, and has an excellent long-term safety record. Nonetheless, there is now ample evidence documenting the efficacy and safety of other antifungal agents. Terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole have been used off-label in the United States and United Kingdom for tinea capitis. Several studies have shown that short-term terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole each are comparable in efficacy and safety to griseofulvin. High-dose griseofulvin is still the first-line therapy for tinea capitis in our practice, but a large-scale, multicenter trial of higher dose terbinafine is now ongoing, and positive efficacy and safety results from that study may lead to a change in our standard of care. Terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole currently are used in patients who have either failed griseofulvin or developed adverse reactions to this medication. Families must be informed that these other antifungal agents are not FDA-approved for this indication when they are used. Guidelines for therapy with each of these agents are summarized in Table 5. In addition, the adjuvant use of antifungal shampoos is recommended for all patients in order to decrease the viability of fungal spores present on the hair, as well as for all household contacts to prevent infection or eliminate the carrier state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandie J Roberts
- Children's Hospital and Health Center and University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and most common etiologies of scalp scaling in infants and prepubertal children and the specificity of head and neck lymphadenopathy for the diagnosis of tinea capitis associated with scalp scaling. DESIGN/METHODS A cross-sectional study of 300 children, 200 from an urban general pediatric practice and 100 from 2 urban pediatric dermatology practices, was conducted. Half of the subjects were <2 years old, and half were 2 to 10 years old. Demographic data, medical history, and clinical data noting the presence of scalp scaling and other scalp signs and symptoms, as well as adenopathy of the head and neck, were collected. RESULTS Scalp scaling was seen in 66 (22%) children. There was an insignificantly higher prevalence of scalp scaling in those <2 years old compared with the 2- to 10-year-old group. In those <2 years old with scalp scaling, the most common diagnoses were seborrheic dermatitis (thick, adherent, greasy scale predominantly in the frontal and/or vertex areas of the scalp) and atopic dermatitis/eczema. Among those 2 to 10 years old with scalp scaling, the most common diagnoses were nonspecific (fine, white) scaling, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis/eczema. Nine (3%) patients were culture-positive for a dermatophyte, all of whom were black, and grew Trichophyton tonsurans. More than half (52.7%) of all patients had head and neck adenopathy. The presence of posterior nodes was significantly associated with atopic dermatitis/eczema and marginally associated with a positive dermatophyte culture. The presence of scalp scaling plus posterior adenopathy was significantly associated with seborrheic dermatitis and a positive dermatophyte culture in the entire study population and with atopic dermatitis in the pediatric dermatology clinics. CONCLUSIONS Scalp scaling was common in children 0 to 10 years old. Infantile-type seborrheic dermatitis was noted in both age groups: it was 3 times as likely in children <2 years old (18%) than in those 2 to 10 years old (6%). Contrary to traditional teaching, seborrheic dermatitis can be found in preadolescent children. Atopic dermatitis/eczema was associated with scalp scaling in both age groups. Head and neck adenopathy was very common and nonspecific for any 1 diagnosis. Posterior adenopathy with concurrent scalp scaling was significantly associated with seborrheic dermatitis, a positive dermatophyte culture, and atopic dermatitis. In this nonselected pediatric population, scalp scaling with adenopathy was not associated exclusively with tinea capitis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tinea capitis, a dermatophyte infection involving the hair shaft on the scalp, is primarily a disease of preadolescent children. The predominant pathogen varies according to the geographical location. Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis account for the majority of infections in north America and certain parts of Europe. The current standard of care for the treatment of tinea capitis in the USA is oral griseofulvin, but evidence is accumulating that some of the newer antifungal agents may also be useful. RECENT FINDINGS The newer oral antifungal agents such as terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole seem to be effective, safe, and have the advantage of a shorter treatment duration. Although a significant number of clinical studies and reports have documented experience with terbinafine and itraconazole for the treatment of tinea capitis, it should be noted that only a few trials have been conducted utilizing fluconazole. Both 2% ketoconazole and 1% selenium sulfide shampoos are often recommended as adjuvant topical therapy. SUMMARY Currently, many experts consider griseofulvin to be the drug of choice for tinea capitis. Short-term terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole therapy have been shown to be comparable in efficacy and safety with griseofulvin. Regular epidemiological surveillance of causative fungal organisms in the community and their antifungal susceptibility is an essential component in the management of this condition.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Infection with tinea capitis in childhood is a common, age-old problem that continues to plague patients and their families. As is true for most infectious diseases, the epidemiology of tinea capitis is in a constant state of flux and varies considerably with respect to geography and specific patient populations. Trichophyton tonsurans is now the most common cause of tinea capitis in the United States. A recent epidemiologic observation is a striking increase in the incidence of tinea capitis, particularly among African-Americans. Clinical studies over the past decade that have investigated the response of tinea capitis to griseofulvin, the mainstay treatment for this condition, suggest a decrease in sensitivity to this pharmacologic agent, in association with this new epidemiology. Important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of tinea capitis include a renewed interest in the use of the cotton swab method of diagnosing fungal cultures in children, and the ongoing investigation of promising new medications for the treatment of tinea capitis, including terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole in this era of resistant organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B K Chen
- Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|