Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Tinea Capitis
Pronunciation: TIN-ee-ah CAP-ih-tis
Fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, primarily affecting prepubertal children.
Full Definition
Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp that predominantly affects children aged 3-14 years. It presents as patches of hair loss with scaling, black dots (broken hair shafts), or inflammatory kerions. The most common causative organisms are Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. Diagnosis requires KOH examination and fungal culture of plucked hairs and scales. Treatment necessitates systemic antifungal therapy as topical medications cannot penetrate hair shafts effectively.
Usage
Usage note: Requires systemic antifungal therapy; topical treatments are ineffective.
In Context
- "KOH preparation confirmed tinea capitis, necessitating systemic antifungal treatment." — Dermatology consultation
- "The child's patchy hair loss and scaling were consistent with tinea capitis." — Physical examination finding
Also known as
scalp ringworm
ringworm of the scalp
Don't confuse with
alopecia areata
trichotillomania
seborrheic dermatitis