Wood's Lamp for Early Detection of Microsporum Canis Tinea Capitis in Children

The study demonstrates that Wood's lamp is an effective and cost-efficient tool for the early diagnosis of tinea capitis in children, particularly when combined with a history of animal contact. Involving 50 pediatric patients under 12 with alopecia, the study found that Wood's lamp successfully identified 22 cases of Microsporum canis-related tinea capitis. Overall, 30 cases of tinea capitis, 15 of alopecia areata, and 5 of trichotillomania were diagnosed. Post-treatment, patients with tinea capitis showed decreased fluorescence and hair regrowth, with no recurrence observed during follow-up. The findings support the use of Wood's lamp in primary healthcare settings to distinguish tinea capitis from other types of pediatric alopecia.