At Almasi Skincare, we offer the best Tinea capitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya which combines the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications.
What Is A Tinea Capitis Infection?
Tinea capitis infection, which is also known as a scalp ringworm or herpes tonsurans, is a skin disease of the scalp caused by fungi.
What Causes Tinea Capitis Infections?
Tinea capitis is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes.
Risk factors for getting Tinea capitis infections include the following:
*Close contact with someone with a ringworm
*Sharing hats, combs, hair brushes, clothes, towels and pillows with someone with a ringworm
*Playing contact sports like wrestling with someone with a ringworm
*Close contact with infected animals like cats, dogs, cows, pigs, and horses
*Crowded housing and low socio-economic status
*Medical conditions like HIV and diabetes
What Are The Symptoms Of Tinea Capitis Infection?
Tinea capitis symptoms are a dry, scaly patch that is itchy and has hair loss. Black dots which are broken hairs may also be visible. This patch develops on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas like the eyebrows.
There may also be a kerion which is a boggy, raised swelling that drains pus.
Tinea capitis usually affects children though it can affect persons of all ages.
Tinea Capitis Infection Diagnosis
Tinea capitis infection diagnosis is made after our Doctor listens to the patient’s history and examines their scalp.
If our Doctor suspects a Tinea capitis infection, they may request a KOH test which is done on scrapings of the skin. Fungal cultures may also be done.
Tinea Capitis Treatment
The best treatment for Tinea capitis is one that combines prescription medications with over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications.
Prescription Medications
Tinea capitis oral treatment includes the following prescription medications:
*Griseofulvin is the most effective treatment for Tinea capitis in Kenya and the USA. Treatment guidelines for Tinea capitis treatment in adults state that Griseofulvin is the first line treatment for Tinea capitis and it should be given for 4-8 weeks.
*Terbinafine is another Tinea capitis infection pill that is used for fungal scalp infections.
*Itraconazole is another of the medications used for Tinea capitis infection treatment in Kenya.
*Fluconazole can also be used for treating Tinea capitis. However, it is not as effective as Griseofulvin when treating Tinea capitis caused by some types of fungi.
The best antifungal tablets for Tinea capitis are Terbinafine and Griseofulvin though Griseofulvin is the best medication for Tinea capitis. Treatment of extensive Tinea capitis requires that these medications are given for atleast 4 weeks.
Topical medications are also applied on the scalp with Tinea capitis infection to help prevent its spread and reinfection. However, they are not very effective when used by themselves since they cannot penetrate the root of the hair follicle. 2% Ketoconazole cream is one of the Tinea capitis treatment creams that can be used.
2% Ketoconazole shampoo is the best Tinea capitis treatment shampoo. Other effective shampoos contains ingredients like selenium sulfide, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione.
The fastest way to cure Tinea capitis is to combine an antifungal taken by mouth like Terbinafine tablets with an antifungal applied on the skin like Ketoconazole shampoo.
It is important to note that there is no best antibiotic for Tinea capitis infection because it is caused by fungi and not by bacteria.
Tinea Capitis Treatment In Children
The best antifungal for treating Tinea capitis in children is Griseofulvin though Terbinafine can also be used. Shampoos with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione and povidone iodine can also be used twice a week according to these Tinea capitis treatment in children guidelines.
Over-The-Counter Products
Over-the-counter products used to treat Tinea capitis infections include the following:
*Terrasil Antifungal Cream which contains 1% Clotrimazole, tea tree oil and activated minerals. It is used to treat fungal scalp infections, fungal skin infections, jock itch, pityriasis versicolor, kerion and piedra. Click here to buy Terrasil Antifungal Cream.
*Molecular AF Antifungal Dynamic Oil which contains Origanum Oil, Melaleuca Oil (tea tree oil) and Cinnamomum Verum Oil which have antifungal properties. It is used to treat fungal infections on the skin, nails, toes and fingers. It is applied twice a day for 3 to 6 months. Click here to buy Molecular AF Antifungal Dynamic Oil.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications used to treat Tinea capitis infections include the following:
*Not sharing personal items like hats, combs, hair brushes, towels, pillows and beddings
*Having people living or working in close contact with you treated if they have scalp infections
*Having pets and other animals in close contact with you treated if they have skin infections
To get rid of a Tinea capitis infection permanently and fast, combine taking an oral antifungal like Terbinafine tablets with applying an antifungal cream like ketoconazole cream and lifestyle measures like not sharing combs and other personal items.
Tinea Capitis Infection Complications
Complications of Tinea capitis infections include the following:
*Hair loss which may be permanent after inflammatory tinea capitis infections like kerion.
*Secondary bacterial infections which cause pain, redness and swelling.
Tinea Capitis Infection Prevention
To prevent Tinea capitis infections do not share hats, combs, hair brushes, towels, pillows and other personal effects. In addition, get treatment for medial conditions that predispose someone to getting Tinea capitis infections like HIV and diabetes.
FAQ
What Is The Best Tinea Capitis Treatment At Home?
The best at home treatment for Tinea capitis includes the following:
*Washing the hair with apple cider vinegar (ACV) because it has antifungal properties. Shampoo your hair and then apply 1 part ACV mixed with 3 parts water to the scalp for 10 minute before rinsing with water.
*Applying diluted tea tree essential oil to the affected areas 2-3 times daily because it has antifungal properties.
*Massaging the scalp with coconut oil because it has antifungal properties. This should be done every night before sleeping.
Please note that we at Almasi Skincare recommend using prescription medications rather than tea tree essential oil to treat Tinea capitis as it can cause irritant contact dermatitis.
Contact our Doctor today for the best Tinea capitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya.