What is the first line treatment for a tinea capitis infection?

The first-line treatment for a tinea capitis infection is oral antifungal medications, specifically griseofulvin. Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection of the scalp that affects the hair follicles. Due to the depth and severity of the infection, topical treatments—which may be effective for superficial fungal infections—are inadequate for addressing tinea capitis.

Oral griseofulvin works by inhibiting fungal cell mitosis, making it highly effective against dermatophyte infections such as tinea capitis. The medication is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and accumulates in keratin, which is crucial as the infection resides in the hair follicles and keratinized tissue of the scalp.

Other treatment options like topical antifungals are not suitable due to their inability to penetrate effectively into the hair follicles and treat deeper infections. Additionally, oral antiviral medications are not appropriate since tinea capitis is caused by a fungus, not a virus, and they would not be effective in treating this condition. Topical corticosteroids may reduce inflammation but do not treat the underlying fungal infection, making them ineffective as a primary treatment for tinea capitis. Thus, oral antifungal medications like griseofulvin