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.
This condition is very contagious and prompt treatment as well as prevention measures are required.
Diagnosis Tests
- Biopsy – rule out other types of condition
- Skin culture
- KOH test
- Hair from scalp taken and treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and then examined under microscope
- Fungal culture test – can take up to 3 weeks for results.
- PCR testing – detect types of fungus
- Trichoscopy – check for variation in hair
- Wood’s Lamp Examination
- UV light examination of scalp (depending on infection – show types of colour i.e. greenish fluorescence)
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 and other fungal conditions on scalp 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 (head to head contact, head to skin contact and vice versa, skin to skin contact).
- 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.
- If not treated it can spread for weeks to months
- After starting treatment the condition spreading reduces after 24- 48 hours however precautions still must be taken.
- Keep lesion covered if possible
- Wash hand regularly.
Extra hygiene measures
- Wash bedding and caps and hats regularly (hot wash if possible)
- Disinfect combs and hair tools
- Check close contacts (siblings, classmates) if there are symptoms
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).
- Medical News Today
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- Verywell Health
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- Nathnac
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- Better health - NHS
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