Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is a type of skin disorder that affects the scalp area. Also known as ringworm of the scalp, it is quite contagious and can cause temporary hair loss. Children are the primary victims, although anyone can get it. Treatment of tinea capitis needs to be aggressive in order to eradicate it.

Tinea capitis is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. Their favorite place to flourish is in moist, warm areas. If you have poor hygiene or minor open lesions on the skin or scalp, you are highly susceptible. Because tinea capitis is contagious, you can catch it from wearing someone else’s hats, clothes or even using someone else’s brush. If you have pets or are in contact with animals that have had tine capitis, you can also catch this fungal infection from them.

If you have seen tinea capitis pictures, you will know that this scalp fungus appears in a ring-like shape that may be inflamed. There could also be some scaly areas as well as some baldness due to hair breakage right at the scalp. Some people do not itch at all while others may be plagued not only by itchiness but also lesions on the scalp that fill with pus.

Diagnosis if tinea capitis can be done either through a biopsy of one of the inflamed or lesion areas or via an examination under a black, ultraviolet light. While you may not get a 100% tinea capitis cure, you can successfully treat it through anti-fungal prescriptions taken orally. There are also special shampoos that can speed up the recovery process on your scalp.

Because tinea capitis is contagious, you will want to treat your home, pets and family members the same as if someone had lice. You will want to clean everything you can get your hands on such as clothing, sheets, blankets, pillows and more. Throw away your brushes and get new ones. If you have ponytail holders, either wash them in really hot water or throw them away and buy new ones. Anything that might have come in contact with your body should be cleansed thoroughly.

Prevention is the only true way to avoid hair loss through tinea capitis. However, no matter how clean you are, someone else may not be. Be diligent about your hygiene and that of your pets and you should be fine. However, if you manage to loss hair due to this fungal disease, it can be treated quite easily.