Definition
Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the hair, is a highly contagious fungal infection affecting the scalp, in which skin flaking is associated with erythema and temporary hair loss. Tinea capitis is typical of pediatric children.
- The tinea capitis of the child results in the tinea barbae in the adult: this infection involves the skin surface in which the beard grows.
Causes
The tinea capitis is a consequence of a mycotic attack sustained in particular by fungi belonging to the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum : these pathogens create damage by feeding on the keratin enclosed inside the epidermis and the follicles pilieri of the scalp.
- Predisposing factors: crowded places, poor personal hygiene, use of infected brushes or combs
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with tinea capitis do not occur immediately after infection: in fact, it is estimated that the incubation time of the fungus is 10-14 days. After this period of time, patchy hair loss is noted in the small patient, accompanied by scaling, crusting, itching and pus.
Information on Tinea of hair - Drugs for the treatment of Tinea Capitis are not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Hair Ring - Tinea Capitis Treatment Medicines.
drugs
Unlike tinea pedis, in which the pharmacological treatment of choice consists in the topical application of antifungals, oral administration of the same is recommended in tinea capitis: in fact, infections affecting the scalp are more difficult to treat, they present a longer course and the particular location of the damage does not require - except in special cases - a topical treatment.
However, to speed up healing time, it is recommended to use specific shampoos containing ketoconazole and selenium disulfide. In general, the hair should be cleaned with these shampoos 2-3 times a week for at least 6 weeks. The administration of these products is essential to prevent the spread of the fungus through the air; however, it is important to remember that the use, even if constant, of the shampoo alone is not sufficient to remove the fungus from the infected site.
It is recommended to pay particular attention also to domestic animals, ideal reservoirs for the proliferation of fungi: as often happens, animals are healthy carriers, which means that, although they do not show any symptoms of tinea capitis, they can still transmit the disease to 'man.
- Griseofulvin (eg Fulcin): this is the excellent drug indicated for the treatment of infantile tinea capitis. Indicatively, the dose foresees to take 10-25 mg / kg a day orally, and to continue the therapy for 8-10 weeks, even after the improvement of the symptoms. Do not interrupt therapy: similar behavior increases the risk of recurrence. Among the side effects of the drug, hypersensitivity to light is one of the most recurrent; other adverse effects include: weakness, diarrhea, stomach pain, general malaise, dizziness, vomiting.
- Terbinafine (eg Terbinafine Docgen): the drug is available in granules to be taken orally, with food or with liquid. The dosage should be established based on the age and weight of the patient. For example, if your child is over 4 years old and weighs less than 25 pounds, it is recommended to take 125 mg of the drug once a day. If the weight is between 25 and 35 kilos, take 187.5 mg orally, once a day. When the weight exceeds 35 kilos, the dose for treating tinea capitis is 250 mg, orally, once a day. The duration of therapy is 6 weeks, although some patients need longer periods (8 weeks) for complete remission of symptoms. For adults with tinea capitis (however rare eventuality) it is recommended to take 250 mg of drug per day, for 6-8 weeks. Also this drug is not without side effects: alteration of the taste of food, diarrhea, stomach pain, hives, itching, skin rash, vomiting.
- Itraconazole (eg Sporanox): indicatively, take 5 mg / kg of drug over 24 hours. The duration of treatment varies from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.
Adjuncts to antifungal therapy for the treatment of tinea capitis
- Selenium disulfide (eg Selsun Blu): the product is available both as a shampoo (1-2.25%) and as a foam, for topical application. Wash the hair 3 times a week for at least 6 weeks. The application of this product can cause scalp irritation: in this case, contact your doctor immediately.
- Ketoconazole (eg. Asquam 2% shampoo, Triatop 1% shampoo): preferable to disulfide selenium, since it causes less irritation to the scalp. It is advisable to wash the hair of the child with tinea capitis at least 2-3 times a week, for 6 weeks.
