Tinea capitis is an infection of the scalp caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. It occurs most commonly in children.

Causes

The fungi that cause tinea capitis thrive in warm, humid environments. Factors that may contribute to tinea capitis, therefore, include hot, humid climates, and excessive sweating.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases the chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for tinea capitis include:

• Exposure to pets with the infection

• Age: under 10 years of age

• Daycare centers

• Poor hygiene

• Sharing combs, brushes, or hats

• Diabetes

• Immune system disorders, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Symptoms

Symptoms of tinea capitis include:

• Itching of the scalp (not always present)

• Bald patches

• Possibly areas with swelling, sores, or irritated skin

If not properly treated, tinea capitis can sometimes cause permanent hair loss.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your child may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (a dermatologist).

The diagnosis can often be made by closely inspecting the scalp. If the diagnosis is uncertain, the doctor may scrape your child’s scalp or clip a few hairs for testing.

Tests on the sample may include:

• Microscopic examination

• Fungal culture

Treatment

The main treatment for tinea capitis is prescription antifungal medications taken by mouth. (Note: Some people cannot take antifungal medications. Tell your doctor about any other medications your child is taking and any medical problems he or she has.) Medicated shampoos are not effective, but can help prevent the spread of infection to other people.

Tinea capitis may be difficult to treat and may return after treatment. It sometimes goes away on its own at puberty.

Prevention

To help reduce your child’s chance of getting tinea capitis, take the following steps:

• Shampoo your child’s hair regularly

• Don’t allow your child to share headgear, brushes, or combs

• Wash towels, clothes, and any shared items used by an infected person to prevent spreading it to others in the household

• Take your pets to the veterinarian for treatment if they develop skin rashes

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org

Dermatology Health Guide
University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/

Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html

References:

Diagnosis and management of common tinea infections. American Academy of Family Physicians website. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980700ap/noble.html. Accessed September 27, 2005.

Medical encyclopedia: tinea capitis. National Library of Medicine. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000878.htm. Accessed September 27, 2005.

Tinea (dermatophyte) infections. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/professionals/Residents/MedStudCoreCurr/DCTineaInfections.htm. Accessed September 27, 2005.

Tinea infections: athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. American Academy of Family Physicians website. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980700ap/980700b.html. Accessed September 27, 2005.