Superficial fungal infections

Pediatr Rev. 2012 Apr;33(4):e22-37. doi: 10.1542/pir.33-4-e22.

Abstract

Tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and pityriasis versicolor are common superficial fungal infections in the pediatric population. • Tinea capitis is the most common dermatophyte infection worldwide. In North America, the cause is almost exclusively T tonsurans. Diagnosis of tinea capitis usually can be made by clinical features alone, especially when occipital or postauricular lymphadenopathy is present. Skin scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide for microscopic examination, or a cotton swab for fungal culture, usually are diagnostic. • Treatment of tinea capitis requires systemic antifungal therapy. Terbinafine and griseofulvin are both effective against T tonsurans and are FDA-approved for this indication in children. • Adjunctive topical therapy for the patient and household contacts decreases transmission of this infection. • Topical antifungal therapy usually is effective for tinea corporis and pityriasis versicolor. However, recurrences of pityriasis versicolor are common.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Dermatomycoses* / complications
  • Dermatomycoses* / diagnosis
  • Dermatomycoses* / drug therapy
  • Dermatomycoses* / epidemiology
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Tinea / classification
  • Tinea / diagnosis
  • Tinea / drug therapy
  • Tinea / epidemiology
  • Tinea Capitis / complications
  • Tinea Capitis / diagnosis
  • Tinea Capitis / drug therapy
  • Tinea Capitis / epidemiology
  • Tinea Versicolor / diagnosis
  • Tinea Versicolor / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents