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Fungal infections of the scalp and hair are common, especially in children. Systemic treatments include griseofulvin, terbinafine, and fluconazole, but which is best? In a prospective, nonblinded, cross-sectional study, investigators in India assigned 75 children (age, <12 years) with tinea capitis to one of these agents. Diagnosis was proved by culture or by microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide mounts. Clinical cure was declared when scaling stopped, hair could no longer be easily plucked from the scalp, and potassium hydroxide mounts of hair did not disclose fungi. All patients also used ketoconazole shampoo.
Of the 25 patients who received 15 to 20 mg/kg/day of griseofulvin (in 2 divided doses daily for 6 weeks), 96% were cured.…