Bald-appearing patches (hair is broken off, not actually missing)
Possibly small black dots on the scalp
Occasionally localized area of swelling, raw skin, or pus-filled lesion on the scalp (kerion)
Signs and tests:
The diagnosis is suspected primarily based on the appearance of the scalp. A skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture may show dermatophytes. This test is often not necessary to diagnose tinea capitis. A Wood's lamp test may be performed to confirm the presence of a fungal scalp infection.
Review Date: 10/29/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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