The diagnosis and management of tinea capitis.

Dermatophyte fungi causing tinea capitis can be divided into anthropophilic and zoophilic organisms. Anthropophilic fungi grow preferentially on humans, and the most common type forms large conidia of approximately 3-4 mm in diameter within the hair shaft (endothrix). Common causes of endothrix infection include Trichophyton tonsurans , T schoenleinii and T violaceum. Zoophilic fungi are acquired through direct contact with infected animals (e.g. puppy, kitten). Smaller conidia of approximately 1-3 mm in diameter extend around the exterior of the hair shaft (ectothrix). Ectothrix infection is caused by T verrucosum, T mentagrophytes, and all Microsporum species.