Abstract
Tinea capitis (TC) is a worldwide health problem and a specific therapeutic challenge. The objective of this study was to establish the causative agents and clinical types and to present management options for TC. From 1993 to 2002, we treated 354 children (61% were boys) with TC. The data for the period 1998-2002, were analyzed in detail. After clinical and Wood's light examination, specimens were directly microscopically analyzed and cultivated. Superficial TC was diagnozed in 230 (65%), and kerion in 124 patients (35%), respectively. Of 51 kerion patients, 3 children (6%) had erythema nodosum. Griseofulvin was given at a dose of 15 to 25 mg/kg (average: 18 mg/kg). A 100% cure rate was achieved. In the period 1998-2002, M. audouinii was predominantly found in superficial TC. Oral griseofulvin therapy should be accompanied by shaving the hair from the scalp and topical imidazole creams, which provides 100% cure rate of superficial TC (in 6.5 weeks) and of kerion (in 5.4 weeks).