Tinea capitis, also known as “ringworm of the scalp” is caused by a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. The most common dermatophytes to cause tinea capitis in the U.S. are Tichophyton and Microsporum type.
Clinically often you see a single or multiple patches of hair loss with “black dots” or broken hairs. There may also be inflammation, scaling, pustules, and itching. The scalp may be very red or swollen with red rings. Clinically it at times may present itself as simple dandruff of the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis).
Diagnosis
Tinea capitis is diagnosed by positive microscopic examination and microbial culture of the affected hair.
Treatment
The treatment of choice is an oral antifungal medication such as Griseofulvin or Lamisil. Subsequent blood and hair cultures are obtained to monitor the efficacy of the medication.
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