Final answer:
Tinea capitis is treated with oral antifungal medications like griseofulvin, with terbinafine, miconazole, and clotrimazole serving as topical options for other skin infections. The treatment duration varies, and if initial treatments fail, further diagnostics and treatment adjustments may be required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is treated with various antifungal medications. A direct answer for this treatment would be the use of oral griseofulvin, as topical treatments are often not as effective due to the depth of hair follicle involvement. Terbinafine, miconazole, and clotrimazole can be used; however, they are typically applied topically for skin infections rather than the scalp.
An explanation for treating tinea capitis involves several steps. After a diagnosis, confirmed by culture or microscopic examination of a skin scraping, a healthcare provider will typically prescribe an oral antifungal medication like griseofulvin, because the fungus affects the hair shafts deeply.
The duration of the treatment may last several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection and the medication used. If the infection does not improve with the initial treatment, the healthcare provider may need to perform further diagnostic tests to identify the specific fungus responsible for the infection and adjust the treatment accordingly. For complete resolution of the symptoms, it is essential to follow the treatment plan and preventative measures as prescribed by the healthcare professional.