Diagnosis and Management of Tinea Infections

Tinea infections, caused by dermatophytes, were classified by the site of infection, with tinea corporis and tinea capitis being common in prepubertal children, while adolescents and adults were more prone to tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis. Clinical diagnosis was often unreliable due to similar presentations with other conditions, such as eczema or alopecia areata. Confirmation through potassium hydroxide preparation or culture was recommended for suspected cases. Topical agents like terbinafine or butenafine creams were effective for tinea corporis, cruris, and pedis, but oral antifungals were necessary for extensive or severe cases. Oral terbinafine was the preferred treatment for tinea capitis and onychomycosis due to its effectiveness and cost, while griseofulvin was recommended for kerion unless Trichophyton was identified, as untreated kerion could lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.