Tinea Capitis in Children
Tinea capitis, also referred to as ringworm of the scalp, is caused by a fungus called a dermatophyte. Scalp ringworm can affect people of all ages, but this condition is more likely to affect kids under the age of 10. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, "There is currently an epidemic of T. tonsurans tinea capitis, with African-American children being at highest risk for acquiring the infection."
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Symptoms
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Tinea capitis can cause black dots on the scalp, pus-filled sores and round or oval lesions that are red and inflamed. This type of ringworm also causes scaly bald patches that can sometimes be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. If tinea capitis is not treated promptly, the fungal infection can spread and cause complications such as permanent baldness and permanent scarring in the scalp.
Transmission
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Tinea capitis is spread by having direct contact with infected people and using contaminated items such as combs, hair accessories, clothing, bedding, towels, showers and swimming pools. This infection can also be spread through infected cats and dogs.
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Diagnosis
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If you suspect ringworm of the scalp, don't take the "wait-and-see" approach. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to prevent serious scalp damage. Your physician can confirm a diagnosis of tinea capitis by doing a visual inspection of the scalp and a lesion biopsy. The doctor may also use a wood's lamp, which uses ultraviolet light, to inspect the scalp and confirm the presence of ringworm. If ringworm is present, the wood's lamp will illuminate the infected area.
Treatment
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Unlike ringworm of the skin, a tinea capitis infection penetrates deep into the hair follicles. So the infection cannot be remedied with over-the-counter creams and ointments. Instead, prescription oral antifungal medications and the use of a selenium sulfide or ketoconazole-based shampoo are required to treat the infection. Treatment for tinea capitis can take up to eight weeks to complete.
Prevention
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To prevent tinea capitis, wash your hands regularly. Don't share personal items such as hair accessories, bedding and towels with others. Shampoo your hair regularly, especially after doing activities that make you sweat such as exercising. And avoid physical contact with people who have ringworm.
Also, if there are pets in the home, check them frequently for ringworm. If your pet is found to have this condition, isolate it to one area of the home until the infection clears.
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