Tinea Capitis — SCE Dermatology MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Oral Terbinafine 250 mg daily for 4 weeks
Oral Terbinafine is first-line for T. tonsurans tinea capitis in adults (the most common cause in the UK). Duration is typically 4 weeks. For Microsporum canis (less common in UK but common in Southern Europe), Griseofulvin may be preferred as Terbinafine has lower efficacy against Microsporum species. Topical antifungals alone are insufficient for tinea capitis as they cannot penetrate the hair follicle adequately. Adjunctive antifungal shampoo (Ketoconazole 2%) reduces viable spore shedding during treatment. Family contacts should be screened and treated if positive. Affected children should not be excluded from school once treatment has started.
Reference: BAD 2014 Tinea Capitis; NICE CKS