Fungal Infections
Tinea capitis / Tinea barbae

Tinea capitis / Tinea barbae

Likely Causative Organisms

Trichophyton

Microsporum

Empiric Treatment

Griseofulvin 500mg PO q12h for 6-12 weeks taken with a fatty meal to enhance absorption

  • May treat for longer duration until fungal cultures are negative
  • Kerion: Should be considered as first line unless Tricophyton has been cultured as the pathogen; duration of treatment may be longer

OR

Terbinafine 250mg PO q24h

PLUS

2.5% Selenium sulphide shampoo

OR

2% Ketoconazole shampoo, 2-3x per week for 2 weeks

Alternative Treatment

Itraconazole 200mg PO q24h

OR

Duration of Therapy: Alternative Treatment

Trichophyton sp.: 2-4 weeks

Microsporum sp.: 8-12 weeks

Other Medications

Consider adding oral Prednisolone in selected cases

Clinical Information

May be treated with 2% ketoconazole shampoo 2-3 times per week for 2 weeks

Surgical excision is to be avoided

Topical therapy alone is not recommended for the management of tinea capitis