Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis, commonly known as a fungal infection of the scalp or ringworm of the scalp, is primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi. This condition is most prevalent in children, with adults being less frequently affected. The fungi thrive in warm, humid environments, making excessive sweating and hot climates potential contributing factors. Tinea capitis is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact, shared items, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include itching, bald patches, swollen lymph nodes, and irritated skin, which can lead to permanent hair loss if not treated properly.
Diagnosis involves a medical examination, where a healthcare professional may perform a physical evaluation and possibly biopsy the scalp for further testing. Treatment generally requires prescription antifungal medications taken orally, as topical creams and medicated shampoos have limited effectiveness. Preventative measures include maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and ensuring any pets with skin issues receive veterinary care. While treatment can be challenging and the infection may recur, it sometimes resolves naturally during puberty.
Tinea capitis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Head, scalp, skin
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Fungal infection of the scalp, ringworm of the scalp
Definition
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. It occurs most often in children and is rare in adults.
Causes
The fungi thrive in warm, humid environments. Living in a hot, humid climate and excessive sweating may contribute to tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is highly contagious. It can be spread through human-to-human contact, animal-to-human contact, shared items, and contaminated surfaces.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the chance of tinea capitis include age (children get tinea capitis far more than adults); attending or working in a daycare center or school; exposure to pets with the infection; poor hygiene; sharing combs, brushes, or hats; having diabetes; and having an immune system disorder, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tinea capitis include itching of the scalp, bald patches, and areas with swelling, sores, or irritated skin. Individuals may also experience swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck area. The infection may cause permanent hair loss and scarring if not properly treated.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Infected children may need to be referred to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, whose work is focused on skin conditions. Diagnosis is often made by a close inspection of the scalp. If the diagnosis is uncertain, the doctor may scrape the child’s scalp or clip a few hairs for testing. Tests on the sample may include a microscopic examination and a fungal culture.
Treatment and Therapy
The primary treatment for tinea capitis is prescription antifungal medications taken by mouth. Medicated shampoos are not effective, but they can help prevent the spread of infection to other people. Topical creams may be effective, but they are not the first line of treatment. All potentially contaminated surfaces should be disinfected. Tinea capitis may be challenging to treat and may return after treatment. It sometimes goes away on its own at puberty.
Prevention and Outcomes
To help reduce the chance of getting tinea capitis, one should shampoo the infected child’s hair regularly, ensure the child does not share headgear, brushes, or combs, and wash towels, clothes, and any shared items used by an infected person to prevent spreading it to others in the household. One should also take pets to a veterinarian for treatment if they develop skin rashes.
Bibliography
Al Aboud, Ahmad, and Johnathan S. Crane. "Tinea Capitis - StatPearls." NCBI, 8 Aug. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536909. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
Berger, T. G. "Dermatologic Disorders." In Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2011, edited by Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis. 50th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill Medical, 2011.
Richardson, Malcolm D., and Elizabeth M. Johnson. The Pocket Guide to Fungal Infection. 2nd ed., Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 2006.
"Tinea Capitis." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/tinea-capitis. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
"Tinea Capitis." Cleveland Clinic, 3 Mar. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22449-tinea-capitis. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.