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Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

Summary

Superficial fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot are common in children and are caused by fungi, yeasts, or molds that spread through contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated surfaces. These infections primarily affect the scalp, skin, and nails, with scalp infections being most common in young children. Treatment typically uses topical creams for mild cases or oral medications for more severe infections, particularly those affecting nails or the scalp. Proper hygiene, avoiding contaminated areas, and limiting contact with infected individuals or animals are key to prevention.

Background

Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are common dermatological conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in children, primarily caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. The incidence of fungal infections in children has increased due to primary factors like atopic dermatitis and immune defects, as well as secondary factors including immunosuppressive therapies and HIV infection.

Objective

This review explores current epidemiological trends, diagnostic practices, and treatment options for superficial fungal infections in the pediatric population, focusing on understanding what is known about these infections in children.

Results

The review identifies tinea capitis as the most common SFI in early childhood (ages 3-7), with Microsporum canis predominating in Europe and Trichophyton tonsurans in the Americas. Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes are the leading causes of nail infections. Diagnosis requires microscopic examination, culture, and increasingly molecular techniques like PCR and MALDI-TOF MS. Treatment involves topical agents for uncomplicated infections and systemic therapy for scalp and nail infections, with terbinafine being the preferred choice.

Conclusion

Superficial fungal infections represent a growing health problem in children, transmitted through contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated environments. Effective diagnosis and targeted therapy are essential for limiting spread and preventing complications. Emerging resistance patterns, particularly to terbinafine in Trichophyton species, necessitate combination therapy and ongoing monitoring of treatment outcomes.
  • Published in:Journal of Clinical Medicine,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 41156250, DOI: 10.3390/jcm14207380
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