Tinea capitis—past, present, and future

Abstract

U hroughout history tinea capitis has periodically increased in incidence, and at such times the disease has posed a significant public health concern. Recently the epidemiology of tinea capitis has changed and new clinical patterns of disease as well as clinical tolerance to traditional therapy have developed. Three new oral antifungal agents hold promise as effective, safe alternatives to griseofulvin therapy. Ongoing studies should provide information regarding optimal therapeutic regimens for these agents.