A case series on pediatric tinea capitis

Tinea capitis, a dermatophyte infection of the scalp mainly caused by zoophilic and, less commonly, anthropophilic species, predominantly affects prepubertal children. Clinically, it presents with scalp scaling, hair loss, alopecia with scaly plaques, or alopecia with “black dots” from broken hairs at follicular openings. Severe forms, such as tinea profunda, may progress to suppurative lesions, pustules, and thick crusts. Standard systemic treatments include terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, and griseofulvin (currently unavailable in Poland). The choice and duration of therapy depend on the infection severity and dermatophyte species. This case series of five pediatric patients illustrates the varied clinical presentations of tinea capitis and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt systemic antifungal therapy to prevent irreversible outcomes, including permanent alopecia and scarring. The review of clinical cases and literature underscores that timely and adequate therapeutic intervention is essential to optimize outcomes in the affected children.