Tinea capitis - Advances Mycology

Tinea capitis - Advances in Mycolgy and Pathology

Tinea Capitis

Synonyms

            Herpes tonsurans, Ringworm of the hair, Ringworm of the scalp, Scalp ringworm and the Tinea tonsurans.

Introduction

            Tinea capitis is commonly known as scalp ring worm is area specific. It is most commonly due to the Tricophyton torsurans and Microsporum spp. Tinea capitis is usually found in United States. They have head hair like scales.

Diagnosis

            The methods for the diagnosis of Tinea capitis are:

1. KOH preparation
2. Fungal Culture

Treatment

            The treatment includes:

1. First Line therapy.
2. Antifungal.

Commonly imidazoles are used which include clotrimazole, ecomazole, micronazole and sulconazole.

In USA the character of the Tricophyton torsurance is florescence under the long UV light and short UV light (700nm- 260nm) are used for treatment.