Tinea Capitis is an Infection of the Skin

Tinea capitis is a scalp infection commonly known as tinea of scalp, ringworm of scalp or tinea infection. Such tinea infections are common in children. Human body has many microorganisms like bacteria, fungi in yeast type (Candida) or mold type (Dermatophytes). Though some of them are useful, others multiply fast and cause tinea infections. Ringworm of scalp is common name of tinea infections of scalp.

Tinea infections of scalp are in greater predominance in moist and wet regions of skin or scalp. Sweating causes wetness of skin. Lack of hygiene and small injuries to scalp or skin are enough reasons for tinea of scalp. Although tinea infections are very high in young children, it suddenly vanishes during adolescence. Chances of reoccurrence of tinea infections are few.

Symptoms, Spread and Treatment

Common symptoms of tinea of scalp are scaly and round patches on scalp, breaking of hair on patches, cuts on scalp, redness, or inflammation of scalp parts, swellings, or boils with pus, black dots on scalp, and itching of scalp. Severe cases of tinea infections result in permanent hair loss at tinea-affected regions.

Children acquire tinea of scalp and tinea infections through direct contact with other tinea-affected children, through sharing of personal items like clothes, hats, combs, or through pets like cats, which are common carriers of tinea fungus.

Oral antifungal pills are common tinea treatments. Use medicated shampoo containing selenium sulfide to reduce tinea infections. Also, keep tinea affected regions clean and dry and give necessary medical treatment to other tinea affected family members and pets to avoid spread of tinea infections.