Tinea Capitis

A common skin infection caused by a communicable fungus, tinea capitis affects mostly pre-pubescent children. It is often called scalp ringworm to differentiate it from other types of ringworm, although the origins are the same. The fungi at the root of tinea capitis—called dermatophytes—function in a manner resembling mold, since they are attracted to warm and damp conditions. They are also highly resilient, living for an extended period on items prone to direct contact with the scalp, such as brushes, hats, and pillows. Close contact with an infected person can also lead to tinea capitis, as can contact with an infected domestic animal.

A tinea capitis picture is easily recognizable by the condition’s telltale lesions—scaly, inflamed patches in round patterns, visible due to hair loss. Some children affected by tinea capitis may also develop tiny black spots on the exposed scalp. Some patients experience itching—usually mild—while others are not afflicted with that additional discomfort. In severe cases, kerions—lesions filled with pus—can form on the scalp as well. Tinea capitis pictures are highly variable depending on the extent of a person’s infection. Diagnosis can be confirmed through a scalp biopsy, but the appearance of tinea capitis is distinctive and generally requires no more confirmation than visual.

While recovery is sometimes spontaneous, it almost always requires medical attention. Even persistent cased can be helped by tinea capitis treatment, and medical assistance is especially important in particularly severe cases. Very advanced infections can lead to permanent damage, including bald patches that cannot be remedied and scarring due to untreated lesions. All suspected cases of tinea capitis should be taken to a medical professional: unproven “Old Wives’ Tale” remedies can do more harm than good. Moreover, any case of tinea capitis within a family should trigger additional investigation. Family members and pets should all receive checks for tinea capitis, due to its high level of contagion.

Tinea capitis treatment generally consists of oral anti-fungal medications and prescription shampoos that are designed to contain infection. Since poor hygiene can make a person more susceptible to infection or worsen an existing condition, care should be taken to clean the scalp thoroughly and protect it from unchecked moisture, as might occur due to excessive perspiration. As usual, prevention is the best medicine. Parents are advised to carefully control their children’s hats, brushes, and pillows to prevent contagion in social situations such as daycare or school. Failing that, prompt, modern treatments can limit the extent of the infection, even though a tinea capitis cure does not yet exist.