tinea capitis
Pronunciation: TIN-ee-uh KAP-ih-tis
A fungal infection of the scalp and hair follicles, the most common cause of hair loss in children.
Full Definition
Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp and hair shafts, representing the most common cause of infectious hair loss in children worldwide. The condition presents with scaling, inflammation, and patchy alopecia, and may be complicated by kerion formation (boggy, inflammatory masses). Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common causative organism in North America. Systemic antifungal therapy is required due to hair shaft involvement, and topical treatments alone are ineffective. Medical writers should understand the public health implications, as the condition is contagious and often spreads in schools and households.
Usage
Usage note: Two words from Latin. 'Capitis' refers to 'of the head.' Note that topical therapy alone is inadequate.
In Context
- "The child's patchy hair loss with associated scaling was diagnostic of tinea capitis." — dermatology consultation
- "Tinea capitis requires systemic antifungal therapy as topical treatments cannot penetrate the hair shaft." — treatment protocol