The Treatment of Tinea Capitis With Oral Potassium Iodide

Tinea Capitis Treated by Oral Iodide and Local Iodine

“…W hether the iodine acts by a direct effect on the fungus or hair, or indirectly by some metabolic, hormonal or other change in the host, as suggested in a previous communication [8], is unknown.…”

“…The drug has so far been given to over 100 patients, including those in earlier trials [8]: treatm ent was discontinued in 5 cases because of marked vomit ing or diarrhoea, and in one (an adult diabetic w'oman) because of thyrotoxic symptoms. Occasional vomiting or the development of a slight nasal catarrh occured in a few other cases, hut did not necessitate stopping the treatm ent.…”

“…Criteria of diagnosis were as described in a previous communication [8]. In all the cases the microscopic examination of suspect hair was positive, and in 31 cases T. violaceum was grown on culture.…”

“…In 3 cases culture was not performed. Criteria of cure were as previously described [8]; at least 3 consecutive post-cure negative microscopic examinations being required. Follow-up examinations after cure were made over periods varying from 114-6 months.…”