Tinea Capitis - Medtick
Medtick

Tinea Capitis

What is it?

Ringworm on the scalp is known as Tinea capitis.

  • The fungal infection (fungi) attack the outer layer of skin on the scalp and the hair shaft.

Diagnosis Tests

  • Skin culture
  • Trichoscopy

Cause

  • Mold-like fungi called dermatophytes i.e.
    • Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis and M. audouinii;
  • Others i.e. Trichophyton sp
    • T. schoenleinii,T. violace
  • Increased risk:
    • Postmenopausal women affected most often and Black women being particularly at risk
    • Immunocompromised (i.e. pregnancy)
    • Those living in crowded conditions
    • Close proximity to animals
    • Males who shave their faces and/or heads might be at increased risk. Barbershops and hair salons might be a key source of infection, and the act of shaving itself can cause microtrauma that allows pathogens to access the scalp.

Medscape

Symptoms

  • Circular (not always), red, inflamed patch of skin (on face not normally patches)?
  • Red, silvery grey, or crusty yellow flaky and/or itchy patches?
  • Skin is raised when touched?
  • Raised edges (well defined) and clear or paler centres?
  • Itchy scalp?
  • Ring like appearance?
  • Crusty and swollen?
  • Hair loss?
  • Black dots on your scalp from broken hairs?
  • Swollen (lymph nodes) at the back of the scalp, behind the ears, or along the sides of the neck, below the jaw?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

Ringworm is contagious and can spread in the following ways:

  • Human to human. Ringworm often spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
  • Object to human. Ringworm can spread through contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has touched, such as clothing, towels, bed linens, combs or brushes.
  • Animal to human. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, are often carriers of ringworm.
    • Other animals that are often carriers of the fungi include cows, goats, pigs and horses. Your child can contract ringworm by grooming or petting an animal with ringworm.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Tinea Capitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

© Medtick - 2024. All Rights Reserved.