Abstract: Tinea capitis is a common dermatophytosis predominantly occurring in children, which needs oral antifungal drug therapy. Itraconazole pulse therapy has been widely applicated in the treatment of adult onychomycosis. However, only a few studies are available for the treatment of pediatric tinea capitis with itraconazole pulse therapy. The therapy schedules vary with respect to dose and intermission. Here, we report four cases of tinea capitis that were treated with a novel high-dose itraconazole pulse therapy (6– 10 mg/kg/d with 3 weeks off between consecutive pulses). After 2– 3 pulses therapy, all the patients were cured and no adverse reactions were observed. We demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this novel itraconazole pulse therapy schedule. It may be a promising therapy in the treatment of tinea capitis in children.
Keywords: tinea capitis, itraconazole pulse therapy, children, Microsporum canis , Nannizzia gypsea