When it comes to tinea capitis, there’s a downside to loving your pet. Dermatologist Ted Rosen takes you through the differential and details effective diagnostic strategies.
A brief summary of the topics Dr Rosen addresses in this podcast:
Variable presentations of tinea
Hair loss with broken off hairs close to scalp
Inflammatory tinea (fungus usually from an animal or from the dirt)
Fast Facts about Tinea
3% -14% of all children grades K-8 are affected with tinea capitis
T tonsurans is the most common funcus
M canis if pet is present in the home
T violaceum is possible
African-Americans affected more often than whites
Family members are often the vector
Think fomites!
Diagnosis
. KOH of plucked hairs
. Woods pamp for M canis
. Culture: swab, toothbrush, pluck
Therapy
. Terbinafine (best for most common fungus)
. Griseofulvin (best alternative)
Pearls and Pitfalls
. Ask about scaling or fur loss in cats and dogs in the house
. ID reaction
. Kerions (often negative cultures)
. Fluconazole when therapy fails
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