Symptoms Tinea capitis

Definition

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp.

This condition is the consequence of an attack sustained by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes) belonging to the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum, which parasitize the keratinized structures of the skin (thus the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the follicles pilieri).

Tinea capitis is contagious and can be epidemic.

Transmission occurs by direct or indirect contagion:

From person to person;
From animal (cattle, dogs, cats, rabbits and mice) per person.

Factors that make it susceptible to infection include frequenting crowded places, poor personal hygiene and sharing pillows, brushes, combs or other contaminated objects.

The ringworm of the scalp is typical of school-age children, while it is rather rare in adults.

Most common symptoms and signs *

Alopecia
Erythema
Dandruff
Pus formation
macules
plaques
itch
Itching in the head
Pustules
Scales on the skin
trichodynia

Further indications

The ringworm of the scalp is manifested by the gradual hair loss in patches, after an incubation period of about 10-14 days. These lesions of rounded shape and variable size are associated with mild erythema and / or dry skin flaking.

Tinea capitis also causes a very intense itching in the head and a painful sensation due to the inflammatory reaction towards the dermatophyte.

In correspondence of the patches, the hair appears opaque, dusty and break at the slightest trauma (ringworm). Some dermatophytes cause a gray or black ringworm, depending on whether the hair is truncated just above the hair follicle (so small roots remain) or at the level of the surface of the scalp (where the spots appear dotted).

Less commonly, tinea capitis is manifested by a diffuse desquamation (similar to dandruff) or with a pustular appearance.

Possible inflammatory complication of tinea capitis, is the formation of a kerion, a hypersensitivity reaction that assumes a suppurative character and manifests itself as a roundish, raised and covered with pustules; this lesion can lead to permanent residual alopecia in the event of scarring.

The diagnosis of ringworm of the scalp is based on the clinical aspect and is confirmed by direct microscopic examination of the cutaneous material taken. Instead, the culture test allows us to identify the responsible genus and species, thus excluding other pathologies that cause alopecia.

Treatment of tine capitis involves the use of systemic antifungals. At times, corticosteroids can be used to help relieve itching and pain caused by severe inflammatory lesions.