Tinea capitis

Hi,

My 5 year old has had tinea capitis. She was put on Griseofulvin for close to 6 months and we were also told by her dermatologist to use Nizoral shampoo every night. I went to another dermatologist after this period of time as the condition, though greatly improved, was still present. The new dermatologist gave me Derma-Smoothe/FS Fluocinolone Acetonide Topical Oil and told me to place a small amount on each scale and wash it out 4 hours later, or the next day. I applied this once and it cleared that area. My concern now is that my daughter's hair is so brittle, I'm guessing because of the Nizoral treatment shampoo, that it is sparce and there is a rather large bald area on the right hand side of her head. Can you recommend any way I can stimulate her hair growth. I have been using grape seed oil and a very mild, all natural shampoo once or twice a week. I used Biolage reconstructing shampoo prior to that, but I'm concerned that may be too strong for her hair. Given her age and the fact she will be starting at a new school this coming year, I would really like to get on top of this for her.

Thanks so much,

Ingrid Pollard

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the scalp.
The baldness is due to the infection itself, not the treatment.
It may appear as thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy swellings, or as expanding raised red rings with central healing (ringworm). Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff, and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin.
On September 28, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that Lamisil (Terbinafine hydrochloride, by Novartis AG) is a new treatment approved for use by children aged 4 years and older.
The antifungal granules can be sprinkled on a child's food to treat the infection.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea_capitis
The hair will grow out once the infection has been eradicated.