Which medication is commonly used to treat tinea capitis in children?

Griseofulvin is the medication commonly used to treat tinea capitis, especially in children. Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, often results in patches of hair loss and can be challenging to treat due to the involvement of hair follicles. Griseofulvin works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, making it effective in clearing the infection from the scalp.

When treating tinea capitis, it is crucial to use an oral antifungal agent like griseofulvin, as topical treatments are generally insufficient for addressing the deeper infection within hair follicles. The medication is typically administered for several weeks to ensure complete resolution of the infection and to prevent recurrence.

Other medications mentioned—such as clobetasol ointment, mupirocin, and permethrin cream—are designed for different indications. Clobetasol is a powerful topical corticosteroid used for inflammatory skin conditions, mupirocin is an antibiotic used for bacterial skin infections, and permethrin cream is used for treating scabies and lice. None of these are effective against the fungal pathogens responsible for tinea capitis, which further highlights the appropriateness of griseofulvin as the correct choice in this scenario.