Tinea capitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ringworm of the scalp

Wood's lamp test - of the scalp

Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Tinea capitis

Alternative Names:

Fungal infection - scalp; Infection - fungal - scalp; Tinea of the scalp; Ringworm - scalp

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is control of the infection. Oral antifungal medications are required.

Keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo, such as one containing selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection. Other family members and pets should be examined and treated if necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Tinea capitis may be extremely persistent, may resolve spontaneously at puberty, and may recur.

Complications:

Kerion: inflammatory, soggy-textured mass filled with pus and broken hairs
Permanent scar formation and hair loss (alopecia) on the scalp

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate tinea capitis may be present, or if symptoms persist despite treatment.

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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