Tinea Capitis
Tinea Capitis: Symptoms and Treatment
Tinea capitis, or “scalp ringworm”, is a fungal infection that is caused by dermatophytes and affects the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. It is more common in young children than adults. Symptoms of tinea capitis can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Scalp itchiness
- Scaly patches on the scalp
- Hair loss
- Redness on the scalp
- Bald patches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Tinea capitis is diagnosed by examining the scalp for fungi. Treatment includes antifungal medications taken orally or applied topically. Treatments may need to be taken for up to two months in order to completely clear the infection. The most common antifungal medications used to treat tinea capitis are griseofulvin and terbinafine.
In addition to medications, there are other steps you can take to prevent and treat tinea capitis:
- Wash your hair and scalp regularly, especially after sweating
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, and hats with others
- Wear loose clothing to avoid trapping moisture and sweat
- Avoid contact with animals that may carry the infection
- Change and wash bedding regularly
- Treat any other fungal infections promptly to prevent spread
It is important to note that tinea capitis can be contagious. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent spreading the infection. These include washing your hands and any objects that come into contact with the scalp, avoiding contact with an infected person, and avoiding sharing combs, brushes, and hats.