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 ideologically 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 audouinii 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. Affected children were treated with a 6‐week course of either Whitfield's ointment or miconazole cream. Results are presented to show that neither treatment is fully effective.