The Burden of Tinea Capitis in Paediatric Refugee Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Tinea capitis (TC) is a dermatophytic fungal infection that infects the scalp predominantly in children resulting in both physical and psychosocial impacts.  Refugee children have increased risk factors for infection due to factors related to overcrowding, sharing of grooming items or reduced sanitation access during transit and decreased access to healthcare services. This systematic review examined the burden of tinea capitis in paediatric refugee populations until September 2025. Of 449 studies screened, 6 were included for review. Four studies were from the Middle East region and two studies were from Australia. Overall, our study highlights the limited refugee-specific evidence on Tinea capitis in paediatric populations but published studies span over two decades and reveal a lack of recent, systematic epidemiological data. Higher infection rates were found in younger children and males, particularly among those of African descent. Rates of infection ranged from 0.43–1.06% in the Middle East to 9–15% in Australia. Trichophyton violaceum was the predominant pathogen with an increasing burden among displaced children. Strengthened surveillance and integration of fungal screening through skin checks into refugee health assessments are needed to improve early detection, treatment, and reduce health inequity.