Itraconazole therapy for white piedra affecting scalp hair.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of white piedra remains an area of therapeutic frustration. Several topical and systemic antifungal agents have failed to eradicate the fungus and prevent disease recurrence. Itraconazole is a safe and effective systemic antifungal agent for various superficial and deep mycotic infections of the skin and hair. In vitro studies have shown significant antifungal activity against Trichosporon beigelii.

OBJECTIVE: Our study was intended to assess the efficacy of itraconazole in the treatment of uncomplicated white piedra affecting the scalp hair.

METHODS: The study was designed as an open trial involving 12 female patients with white piedra of the scalp hair. They were administered oral itraconazole 100 mg once daily until culture negativity was achieved; they were then followed up for 3 months.

RESULTS: Eleven patients (91.67%) showed disease remission after 8 weeks of treatment. One patient (8.33%) showed no improvement, and the disease recurred in 2 patients (16.67%) after completion of therapy. No significant side effects were noted.