An institutional survey of tinea capitis in Harare, Zimbabwe and a trial of miconazole cream versus Whitfield's ointment in its treatment.

A study of the prevalence of tinea capitis at a residential school for physically handicapped children in Harare, Zimbabwe is reported. In the 7-12 year old age group the prevalence of mycologically proven fungus infection was 39%. It is suggested that this can be explained by their hygiene. Two species of dermatophyte were isolated: Trichophyton violaceum from 88% and Microsporum audouimi from 38% of cases which were positive following culture. Twenty-six per cent of these cases were mixed infections. There was a slightly higher rate of infection amongst boys. The effectiveness of the clinical and mycological examination was assessed. Affect5ed children were treated with a 6-weed course of either Whitefield's ointment or miconazole cream. Results are presented to show that neither treatment is fully effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]