Tinea capitis in early infancy treated with itraconazole: a pilot study

Background Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection of the scalp in childhood, but a very rare disorder in the first year of life. Objective To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of itraconazole in 7 children aged between 3 and 46 weeks (median: 36 weeks) suffering from tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. Methods Prospective case note study. In all patients KOH testing and fungal cultivation on Sabouraud dextrose agar were performed. Results 7 patients (5 girls and 2 boys) were included in the period between 2001 and 2008. The causative etiologic agent was Microsporum canis in all children. The patients received itraconazole 5mg/kg bodyweight daily for 3 to 6 weeks with no clinically side effects being noted. In all patients clinical and mycological cure could be achieved. Conclusion Itraconazole proved to be a safe and effective treatment option for Microsporum canis induced tinea capitis in children in their first year of life.