Tinea Capitis
Pronunciation: TIN-ee-uh KAP-ih-tis
A dermatophyte fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, predominantly affecting children and characterised by scaling, hair loss, and sometimes kerion formation.
Full Definition
Tinea capitis is caused by dermatophyte fungi of the Trichophyton and Microsporum genera. It presents as scaly, pruritic patches with associated alopecia and may progress to a painful, boggy inflammatory mass known as a kerion. The term belongs to the broader 'tinea' family of dermatophytoses, each named by anatomical site. Editors must note that the Latin locative suffix changes with site: 'capitis' (head), 'corporis' (body), 'pedis' (foot). Italics are not required for established Latin binomials in clinical usage, but editors should confirm house style.
Usage
Usage note: Do not italicise 'tinea capitis' in clinical text; italics are reserved for organism names (e.g., Trichophyton tonsurans). Hyphenation is not used.
In Context
- "Tinea capitis was diagnosed in three siblings attending the same primary school, prompting a public health notification." — Pediatric dermatology referral letter
- "Oral griseofulvin remains first-line therapy for tinea capitis in children, as topical agents alone are insufficient." — Treatment guideline document