Fungi are microorganisms that can survive on dead tissue. When the fungus infects the scalp, it is called tinea capitis. The rash is usually reddish or gray, and can include scaly patches of skin. Tinea capitis causes hair loss, scaling, erythema, and impetigolike lesions. Tinea capitis caused by trichophyton rubrum we present a. Clinicomycological profile of tinea capitis and its. Ringworm of the scalp tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts.
It is the most common dermatophyte infection found in children under the age of 12, especially in african americans. Gray patch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix infection or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in an african american male child. Occasionally, the lesion becomes boggy, waxy, purulent, and extremely tender and is associated with lymphadenopathy kerion. The most common was scaly, pruritic, single or multiple gray patchy figure 1a hair loss seen in 111 66. Tinea capitis is the medical term for ringworm, a very common fungal infection, of the scalp. Posterior cervical lymphadenopathy absent in alopecia hubbard 1999 arch pediatr adolesc med 153 11. All these cases were fluorescent under woods uv light and positive in cultures for m. The classical presentations of scalp ringworm, however, are black dotin which hair shafts break at the scalp surfaceand gray patchin which hair shafts break above the surface, leaving short stubs. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes superficially. A clinicoepidemiological study of scalp hair loss in. Changes in frequency of agents of tinea capitis in school. Identifying and treating superficial fungal infections in. Tinea capitis remains a common childhood infection in many parts of the.
It is one of the most common skin problems seen in children. Gray patch tinea capitis gptc it begins with an erythematous, scaling, welldemarcated patch on the scalp that spreads centrifugally for a few weeks or months, ceases to spread, and persists indefinitely, sometimes for years round grayish, scaly. Tinea capitis scalp ringworm dermatologic disorders msd. Tinea capitis can be classified by its clinical appearance into four specific presentations. Tinea corporis is also known with various other names, like ringworm 1, tinea circinata 2 or tinea glabrosa 1. Dec 18, 2018 when the fungus infects the scalp, it is called tinea capitis.
Ringworm, scalp tinea capitis condition, treatments, and. Pdf outbreak of tinea capitis and corporis in a primary. Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis that mainly affects children, is contagious, and. Tinea capitis is suspected if there is a combination of scale and bald patches. Graypatch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix infection or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in an african american male child. Despite the name, there are no worms involved in scalp ringworm, rather the rash forms a scaly, round patch that sometimes clears or improves in the middle, thus looking like a ring. Although common in children, tinea capitis is less frequently seen in adults. The three clinical types of tinea capitis have been described. Scalp ringworm may be passed among humans by direct contact with infected people or with contaminated objects such as combs, pillows, and.
Tinea capitis, commonly known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection often seen in children. Those children receiving treatment should be allowed to return to. Patient information tinea corporis is a fungal infection that affects the skin, with an appearance which is especially frequent on arms and legs. Tinea capitis may cause a dry scaly rash that may be somewhat itchy, a patch of hair loss, or both. Trichophytan usa, microsporum europe age most affected by tinea capitis. Today, it is much less common in north and central america but continues to be the dominant cause of scalp ringworm in southern and eastern europe. Gray patch tinea capitis is rare in north america, as is tinea favus, which. It appears as bald patches with multiple black dots. Tinea capitis less commonly manifests as diffuse scaling, like dandruff, or in a. Apr 16, 2015 gray patch tinea capitis presents as circular patches of alopecia with prominent scaling. Diagnosis is by direct visualization of hyphae under the microscope or by woods lamp.
Ringworm of the scalp is particularly common in young children. Hence most cases of tinea capitis do not fluoresce. Classic presentation strongly suggests tinea capitis. Tinea capitis in general is much more prevalent in prepubescent children with spontaneous remissions that can occur at puberty, as surface lipids in the. Sebum, the skin oil stimulated by teenage hormones, has a negative impact on the ability of fungi to penetrate the hair shaft, thus preventing tinea capitis infection in teenagers and adults. Ringworm of the scalp, a highly contagious infection, is most common in toddlers and schoolage children. Scalp ringworm tinea capitis is a common mild infection of the scalp and hair that appears as scaly spots and patches of broken hair on the head. Feb 02, 2014 tinea capitis can occur in three distinctly different forms. Tinea capitis requires systemic treatment because antifungal creams are unable to penetrate the hair shaft sufficiently to clear the infection. It can show up in a number of ways, but often as scaly patches of hair loss on the head.
Ringworm on the scalp can also cause what is sometimes called black dota patch of hair loss with black dots on the scalp caused by hairs that are broken off just below the surface of the skin. A study on tinea capitis in the pre school and school going children. One type of fungus causes black dot ringworm, in which hair shafts break at the scalp surface. Gray patch refers to the scaling with lack of inflammation. Because spread is thought to occur through direct contact with. Gray patch tinea capitis painless patchy alopecia but bald patches are covered with fine graywhite scales with broken hair shafts kerion extremely painful and inflammatory presentation, the kerion looks like a large bump on the scalp with alopecia, may be boggy and purulent when pressed with pus coming out of the hair follicles may. Slightly erythematous, scaly scalp lesion page 2 of 2. Feb 21, 2020 gray patch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix infection or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in an african american male child. Tinea capitis has the potential to cause significant problems. Identifying and treating superficial fungal infections in the. Tinea capitis is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin.
This form presents with minimal erythema and scale. Gray patch refers to the scaling with lack of inflammation, as noted in this patient. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair that can arise from different genera of dermatophytes, e. Tinea capitis must be treated with systemic antifungal agents, since topicals cannot penetrate the hair shaft. Tinea capitis can occur in three distinctly different forms. An imidazole or ciclopirox cream can be applied to the scalp to prevent spread, especially to other children, until tinea capitis is cured. Tinea capitis must be treated with systemic antifungal agents because topical agents do not penetrate the hair shaft. Symptoms and signs of ringworm on scalp tinea capitis. Scalp ringworm tinea capitis skin disorders msd manual. Gray patch tinea capitis presents as circular patches of alopecia with prominent scaling. Tinea capitis is most common in people who are immunocompromised and children, particularly those under the age of 10. Ringworm is contagious and can be spread from person to person. Fungal infections tinea, pityriasis causes, symptoms. Twenty years ago, the most widespread etiologic agent was reported to be trichophyton violaceum, which was later succeeded by microsporum ferrugineum and trichophyton schoenleinii.
Tinea capitis is the name used for infection of the scalp with a dermatophyte fungus. Most cases are caused by a fungus called tinea tonsurans. Hairs in the involved areas assume a characteristic dull, grayish, discolored appearance. Other clinical patterns of tinea capitis in children are also commonly. Dec 05, 2017 some causes of endothrix infection are tschoenleinii species gray patch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in african american male child. Tinea capitis is the most frequent manifestation of dermatophyte infection in children, especially in the lower socioeconomic strata. Tinea capitis red book 2015 aap pointofcaresolutions. Mar 08, 2003 tinea capitis requires systemic treatment because antifungal creams are unable to penetrate the hair shaft sufficiently to clear the infection. Doctors notes on ringworm on scalp pictures, symptoms, home remedies, treatment, and cure. All 27 children reported a contact with infected classmates, and 19 70% reported to have infected brothers and sisters at home. How is ectothrix infection in tinea capitis scalp ringworm. Tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, and tinea manuum infections are typically superficial, involving only the epidermis. Some causes of endothrix infection are tschoenleinii species gray patch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in african american male child.
Tinea capitis and tinea barbae are characterized by infection of terminal hairs. The fungus attacks hair shafts and follicles, making the hair in the area affected fragile and broken, leaving small areas of baldness alopecia. Microsporum audouinii an overview sciencedirect topics. Fungal folliculitis in children, caused by microsporum canis and m audouinii, which progresses from an erythematous papule at the hair follicles, extends peripherally. Tinea capitis scalp ringworm dermatologic disorders.
Occasionally, dermatophyte infections penetrate the hair follicle and dermis causing a condition called majocchis granuloma. Tinea capitis is caused by species of either trichophyton or microsporum, with the most common etiologic agent varying geographically. Symptoms of tinea capitis include a dry patch of scale, a patch of hair loss, or both on the scalp. Tinea capitis was the final diagnosis in 50 out of 80 children who had hyperkeratosis without alopecia 60%, 16 of 43 children with alopecia alone 37.
It is not caused by a worm, but by a fungus and is named for the ringlike or circular appearance of the infection on the skin. Tinea capitis causes the gradual appearance of round patches of dry scale, alopecia, or both. The most common type of tinea capitis in the united states, found most often in children. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections american family. This disease is a contagious infection with worldwide distribution and is occasionally associated with permanent alopecia. Tinea capitis caused by trichophyton rubrum occurs in less than 1 percent of all cases8,9. The assessment and management of tinea capitis in children. Tinea capitis is a common dermatophyte infection of the scalp of children in western china, with the graypatch from being the most prevalent. In the united states, tinea capitis most commonly affects children of african heritage between three and nine years of age. Scalp ringworm tinea capitis is a very common scalp infection among children throughout the world. Tinea capitis is the most common superficial mycosis in children.
The concept of carriers is controversial but describes patients whose symptoms and clinical. Tinea capitis scalp ringworm etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs. Treatment includes antifungal drugs taken by mouth for all people and, for children, antifungal cream. Outbreak of tinea capitis and corporis in a primary school. Apr 29, 2020 gray patch ringworm microsporosis is an ectothrix infection or prepubertal tinea capitis seen here in an african american male child.
The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp may vary, but it usually appears as itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Caused by a fungus, it is most commonly seen in children. Ringworm is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. When it affects the scalp, it is medically known as tinea capitis. Outbreak of tinea capitis and corporis in a primary school in. The organism microsporum, which was the most common fungus in the united states in the 1940s and 1950s but now is a rare cause of ringworm of the scalp, causes gray patch ringworm. Tinea capitis gray patch tinea capitis gray patch the lesion is a small, round, elevated patches, hyperkeratotic, scaling of the scalp, and dry and brittle hair. Hair within the patch area is brittle and easily breaks off near the scalp or pulls out.
Affecting primarily pre pubertal children between 6 and 10 years, it is more common in males than females. Acceptable treatments for tinea capitis, with shorter treatment. Tinea capitis dallas fungal infection of the scalp plano, tx. What are the aap recommendations for children during tinea. Doctors base the diagnosis on an examination of the scalp and samples taken from the scalp. The treatment of this infection usually requires the administration of appropriate oral antifungal agents. Scalp ringworm tinea capitis merck manuals consumer version. The fungus causes a rash to appear on the scalp that most often is circular and expands over time. Tinea capitis caused by species of microsporum and trichophyton is a contagious disease that is endemic in many countries.