Which treatment is commonly prescribed for tinea capitis?

Which treatment is commonly prescribed for tinea capitis?

• A. Griseofulvin (oral) plus Selenium sulfide shampoo
• B. Terbinafine topical
• C. Ketoconazole shampoo
• D. Fluconazole oral only

Answer: (A)

Systemic therapy is needed for tinea capitis because the fungus invades the hair follicles and shafts, which topical treatments can’t reliably reach. The best answer reflects the classic, effective approach: an oral antifungal that concentrates in keratin-containing tissues (griseofulvin) paired with a selenium sulfide shampoo. Griseofulvin accumulates in growing hair and nails, disrupts fungal growth where the infection resides, and is particularly effective for scalp dermatophytes. Using selenium sulfide shampoo alongside helps reduce surface spores, lessens shedding, and lowers the risk of transmission, supporting the overall cure as the oral drug works inside the follicles. While other antifungals exist, this combination has long been a reliable first-line strategy for scalp involvement, because topical agents alone don’t penetrate the follicles and single-agent systemic therapy without adjunctive shampoo may miss superficial skin elements.

Systemic therapy is needed for tinea capitis because the fungus invades the hair follicles and shafts, which topical treatments can’t reliably reach. The best answer reflects the classic, effective approach: an oral antifungal that concentrates in keratin-containing tissues (griseofulvin) paired with a selenium sulfide shampoo. Griseofulvin accumulates in growing hair and nails, disrupts fungal growth where the infection resides, and is particularly effective for scalp dermatophytes. Using selenium sulfide shampoo alongside helps reduce surface spores, lessens shedding, and lowers the risk of transmission, supporting the overall cure as the oral drug works inside the follicles. While other antifungals exist, this combination has long been a reliable first-line strategy for scalp involvement, because topical agents alone don’t penetrate the follicles and single-agent systemic therapy without adjunctive shampoo may miss superficial skin elements.