An open clinical pilot study of the efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine in dry non-inflammatory tinea capitis

Abstract

Ten patients with dry non-inflammatory tinea capitis were evaluated in a pilot study which ran from September 1989 to February 1990. Each patient was given oral terbinafine for 6 weeks; each was followed up 2 weeks later. Eight (80%) were completely cured, one (10%) was mycologically cured and showed minimal signs and symptoms, and another (10%) showed improvement (negative mycology, but persistent clinical signs and symptoms). No topical or systemic side-effects were noted. Terbinafine appears to be an effective and safe antifungal agent in the treatment of non-inflammatory tinea capitis.