Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair shafts, primarily in children. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which invade the skin and hair, leading to patchy hair loss, scaling, and sometimes redness or swelling. The infection can cause itching and discomfort, and in some cases, it may lead to inflammation or pus-filled sores. Because it affects the scalp, it can impact appearance and cause social distress. The condition is contagious and spreads through direct contact or sharing personal items like combs or hats.

Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophytes, primarily species of Trichophyton and Microsporum. The fungi invade the keratinized hair shafts and scalp skin, leading to hair shaft destruction and inflammatory responses. Clinically, it presents with patchy alopecia, scaling, and sometimes kerion formation, which is a boggy inflammatory mass. The infection is most common in children and is transmitted via direct contact or fomites. Diagnosis is important to differentiate from other causes of hair loss and scalp inflammation. Untreated, it can cause permanent scarring alopecia.