Tinea Capitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Tinea capitis is also known as ringworm. It is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles. The disease is considered to be a form of superficial mycosis or dermatophytosis. Several synonyms are used, including ringworm of the scalp and tinea tonsurans. In the United States and other regions of the world, the incidence of tinea capitis is increasing. Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. The fungi that cause tinea capitis thrive in warm, humid environments. Factors that may contribute to tinea capitis, therefore, include hot, humid climates, and excessive sweating.

Causes

1. The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mold-like fungi and yeast-like fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and cause symptoms.
2. Children are at a high risk factor in causing this disease.
3. It can be persistent and contagious, almost to the point of epidemic. However, it often disappears spontaneously at puberty.
4. Susceptibility to tinea infection is increased by poor hygiene, prolonged wetness of the skin such as from sweating and minor skin or scalp injuries.
5. They can be transmitted by contact with pets that carry the fungus.

Symptoms

1. The best known sign of ringworm in people is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges, not unlike the herald rash of Pityriasis rosea.
2. There may be itching on the scalp which is present from mild to severe according to condition of the patient.
3. Occasionally there may be swelling on localized area, raw skin, or pus filled lesion on the scalp.
4. One or more sections of the scalp will show hair loss or give a stubbly appearance. The skin will be slightly scaly.
5. In this disease 6 to 9cm wide lesion will appear that may develop into a large rash.
6. Severe alopecia (baldness) may develop and at this stage the scalp will often become infected further with Staphylococci bacteria.

Treatment

1. Systemic administration of griseofulvin provided the first effective oral therapy for tinea capitis.
2. Topical treatment usually is ineffective.
3. The antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole, have been reported as effective alternative therapeutic agents for tinea capitis. Of these agents, itraconazole and terbinafine are used most commonly.
4. Keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo, such as one containing selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection.
5. Other family members and pets should be examined and treated, if necessary.
6. Prescription creams are stronger, faster and require fewer applications. Sometimes oral medications are necessary.
7. Over exposure of sunlight may cause the disease to be complex. So, keep your infected area from exposure of direct sunlight.