Which statement about tinea capitis management is accurate?

Which statement about tinea capitis management is accurate?

• A. It is treated with topical antifungals only
• B. It requires systemic therapy such as oral griseofulvin
• C. It is not contagious
• D. It resolves without treatment

Answer: (B)

Tinea capitis involves the scalp hair follicles, so the fungus lives inside hair shafts. Topical antifungals don’t penetrate well enough to clear organisms from those follicles, making systemic (oral) treatment necessary. An oral antifungal such as griseofulvin has long been a standard option and remains effective; other systemic agents like terbinafine or itraconazole can be used depending on the suspected organism and patient factors. Treatment usually runs several weeks and often includes addressing close contacts to prevent reinfection. Because topical therapy alone won’t reach the hair follicles, it won’t reliably cure the infection. The condition is contagious, and it will not resolve without appropriate treatment.

Tinea capitis involves the scalp hair follicles, so the fungus lives inside hair shafts. Topical antifungals don’t penetrate well enough to clear organisms from those follicles, making systemic (oral) treatment necessary. An oral antifungal such as griseofulvin has long been a standard option and remains effective; other systemic agents like terbinafine or itraconazole can be used depending on the suspected organism and patient factors. Treatment usually runs several weeks and often includes addressing close contacts to prevent reinfection.

Because topical therapy alone won’t reach the hair follicles, it won’t reliably cure the infection. The condition is contagious, and it will not resolve without appropriate treatment.