Tinea Capitis
3 medicines
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair follicles, most common in children, that needs oral antifungal treatment because topical creams cannot clear it.
Grifulvin V
Griseofulvin
250mg
Grifulvin V is a antifungals medication containing Griseofulvin, available as 250mg tablets.
Key facts
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophyte fungi, affecting the hair shaft and follicles.
- It causes round patches of hair loss with grey or white scaling, mainly in children, and spreads through shared combs, hats, and close contact.
- Because the fungi colonise the hair shaft itself, oral antifungals such as griseofulvin are needed; topical creams alone do not clear it.
- Household members who share bedding, towels, or hair accessories with an affected child should be checked, since symptom-free carriers can pass the fungi on.
What tinea capitis looks like
The most recognisable sign is one or more round patches of hair loss with fine grey or white scaling on the scalp. The affected skin may be red and itchy. In some cases a more inflamed, boggy swelling called a kerion develops. Without treatment, hair loss in that area can persist for months, though it typically regrows once the infection clears.
Treating the infection
Because the fungi colonise the hair shaft itself, topical creams alone do not clear tinea capitis. Oral antifungals are the standard approach. Griseofulvin has been used as a first-line oral treatment for decades and remains widely available. A full course lasting several weeks is usually needed to clear the infection and prevent relapse. Medicated shampoos containing selenium sulphide or ketoconazole are sometimes used alongside oral treatment to reduce shedding of infective spores.
Reducing spread
Children are the group most commonly affected, and the infection spreads easily through shared combs, hats, and close contact. Anyone in the household who shares bedding, towels, or hair accessories with an affected child should be checked, as symptom-free carriers can pass the fungi on without showing signs themselves.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any patch of hair loss with scaling, especially in a child, since tinea capitis needs prescription oral treatment rather than over-the-counter creams. Seek prompt care if a boggy, painful swelling (kerion) develops on the scalp.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.