Tinea Capitis - Medtick
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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.

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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).

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