TINEA-CAPITIS - ITRACONAZOLE IN TRICHOPHYTON-TONSURANS INFECTION

Background: Although griseofulvin is considered the standard treatment of tinea capitis, alternatives are being investigated in hopes of identifying more rapid and better cure rates. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of itraconazole as therapy for tinea capitis. Methods: An open label study was performed on three patients who did not respond to or could not tolerate griseofulvin therapy. Results: A 30-day course of 100 mg of itraconazole daily resulted in clinical and mycologic cure in all three patients; no side effects were reported. Conclusion: Although these results need to be confirmed by larger, controlled trials, it appears that itraconazole offers a viable alternative to griseofulvin for the treatment of children with tinea capitis.