Tinea capitis
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Explore overview, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and FAQ articles for this condition.
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Diagnosis of Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts caused by dermatophytes, organisms that digest keratin. Because the infection can weaken hair, cause patchy hair loss, and sometimes inflame the scalp, it is often evaluated carefully rather than…
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Causes of Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is caused by infection of the scalp hair and surrounding skin by dermatophyte fungi, a group of organisms that feed on keratin. In practical terms, the condition develops when these fungi gain access to the scalp, establish growth in…
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Symptoms of Tinea capitis
What are the symptoms of tinea capitis? Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, commonly causes patchy hair loss, scaling, broken hairs, itching, and inflammation of the scalp. In more intense cases, the skin can become red,…
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Treatment for Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is treated primarily with systemic antifungal medication , often combined with topical antifungal measures to reduce fungal burden on the scalp and hair. Because the infection involves dermatophytes invading hair shafts and follicles, treatment must reach organisms located beneath…
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Prevention of Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that grow in keratin-rich tissue such as hair shafts and the outer layer of skin. Whether it can be fully prevented depends on exposure patterns, host susceptibility, and the…
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FAQ about Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp and hair. It is often called “scalp ringworm,” although it is not caused by a worm. This FAQ explains what tinea capitis is, what causes it, how it spreads, what symptoms…