Although some fungal species causing tinea capitis are fluorescent with a Wood's lamp, Trichophyton tonsurans, the most common cause or tinea capitis, does not, so lack of fluorescence does not rule out the infection, make it less likely, or diagnose it. Which medication will the provider prescribe as first-line therapy to treat tinea capitis?

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Oral griseofulvin is the first-line therapy for treating tinea capitis. It is effective against Trichophyton species, which is the most common cause of tinea capitis. Oral ketoconazole is not preferred due to its potential hepatotoxicity. Topical clotrimazole and tolnaftate are not effective for treating tinea capitis as they do not penetrate the hair follicle.

Although Some Fungal Species Causing Tinea Capitis Are Fluorescent with a Wood's