ABSTRACT
Tinea capitis is a common infection of the scalp and hair shaft caused by dermatophyte fungi that mainly affects prepubescent children. Systemic therapy is required for treatment and to prevent spread. The aim of present study was to assess the effect of terbinafme for tinea capitis treatment in children. 30 Iranian pediatric patients with a clinical diagnosis of tinea capitis, were enrolled in the study. The Study was conducted in a general and referral teaching hospital [Imam Medical Centre - Tehran, Iran] from 2006 to 2007. Eligible patients with less than 20 kg of body weight were given 62.5 mg terbinafme and for patients between 20 to 40 kg, the dose was 125 mg, on the first visit. After two weeks, all patients had a second visit that second sample for microscopic study was taken. For each patient, direct mycology test [KOH test] and mycological culture were carried out before the study is being started and after 2[nd], 4[th], 5[th], 6[th] and 8[th] weeks. Drug's probable adverse effects were also recorded. Based on the results of mycological culture of patients' lesions, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton sheonlini were considered as major causes of Tinea capitis in these children. Out of 30 stydy patients, KOH test of 93% in the fifth and 100% in the sixth week, was negative. All patients healed completely from signs of infection, after six weeks. Also, no severe side effects were seen in any patients. According to the results of this study, Terbinafme is an effective therapy in Iranian cases of Tinea capitis in children without having severe side effects