An open clinical pilot study of the efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine in dry non‐inflammatory tinea capitis

Ten patients with dry non‐inflammatory tinea capitis were evaluated in a pilot study which ran from September 1989 to February 1990. Each patient was given oral terbinafine for 6 weeks; each was followed up 2 weeks later. Eight (80%) were completely cured, one (10%) was mycologically cured and showed minimal signs and symptoms, and another (10%) showed improvement (negative mycology, but persistent clinical signs and symptoms). No topical or systemic side‐effects were noted. Terbinafine appears to be an effective and safe antifungal agent in the treatment of non‐inflammatory tinea capitis.