Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp. It is a fungal infection. It starts as small patches of scaling that spreads and results in broken hair, redness, swelling, and oozing. It is a contagious disease most common in children. Oral medication is the only tinea capitis cure. Ringworm is not actually worms.

The infection is transferred by contact with animals, mainly dogs, cats, cows, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Most animals have a peaceful coexistence with a skin fungus without any symptoms. This fungus transfers to humans. It is common in the farming communities where there is large contact with animals. Children are at a high risk to contract the fungal infection and between children are highly susceptible to transfer. It is difficult to avoid ringworm, but by limiting the amount of time children spend with animals, especially those showing signs of ringworm, is a good preventative measure.

Tinea capitis has to common types of symptoms. One or more sections will show hair loss or have a stubbly look. It will also be slightly scaly with little or no irritation. Ringworm may also be present on the face or other parts of the body. On the other hand, a two and a half to three inch (six to nine centimetre) lesion can appear that develops into a large rash. In severe cases, a swollen mass oozing pus (a kerion) can appear on the scalp. The kerion may become inflamed, fill with liquid, and be quite painful. Severe alopecia may develop and the scalp will become infected. Rarely, fever will accompany ringworm.

Start tinea capitis treatment immediately to avoid the infection spreading further on the scalp and to others. If untreated, a bacterium builds up in the hair follicles and cause tumour-like swellings, which can lead to permanent baldness in those areas. Creams and lotions may not get into the follicles to kill the fungus, so an oral drug, such as griseofulvin, an antifungal medicine, is used. If a large kerion has formed, use corticosteroids for a short period. Your doctor or dermatologist will diagnose and prescribe the medication that is right for you or your child. If your child does get ringworm, keep him or her away from other children to avoid the spreading of the disease.

Tinea capitis pictures are available on the internet. Type in 'tinea capitis picture' and you should get over 1600 pictures to view. Some of the pictures are graphic and not viewable by children unless supervised by an adult.