Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis with focal loss of Hair
Source: PubMed

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is the superficial fungal infection of the scalp caused by tinea or dermatophytes. It affects mainly children; however, adults may be also affected. There are four types of tinea Capitis. Each has its characteristic appearance and symptoms. Tinea capitis may lead to hair loss, so it should be treated properly as soon as possible.

How can one get infected?

Tinea capitis may be transmitted via different routes of transmission. Any infected person or animal can directly transmit the causative organism of tinea capitis directly to another uninfected person.

In other cases, it may be transmitted indirectly through sharing contaminated stuffs such as caps, combs or even beds. Rarely, tinea Capitis is transmitted through air.

Whatever the way of their transmission, these organisms can't infect a person unless there is a slight abrasion in the scalp for the fungus to be inoculated through.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tinea capitis differ according to the causative organism. There are four different types caused by different fungi. They include:

- Scaly Type

The scaly type of tinea Capitis is caused by microsporum audouinii and canis. It is characterized by well-defined patch covered by fine grayish scales with the hair around it affected. The hair appears lusterless and easily breaks-off. Sometimes, it becomes very loose, and is epilated easily leaving behind an area of complete hair loss, or alopecia areata.

In some cases, multiple lesions are present, and if they aren't treated properly, the whole scalp may be affected.

- Black Dots Type

The black dots type of tinea capitis is caused by trichophyton tonsurans and violaceum. It is characterized by presence of hairless patch doted in black. These black dots are actually hair, but broken at the surface of the skin.

- Kerion Type

Kerion, which is an abscess like swelling, is caused by animal fungi. It is characterized by the appearance of a swelling raised over the surface of the skin with loose hair overlying it. If a single hair is removed, semi-transparent discharge comes out. Sometimes, a crust may be formed. Ulcerations and sinuses may occur, as well.

In some cases, it is presented, in a different way, by a well-defined red plaque over the skin with many pus-containing papules, or pustules, above it.

- Favus Type

Trichophyton schoeleinii is the causative organism of the favus type of tinea capitis, which is characterized by the formation of a special lesion called sulphur cap or scutula. Sulphur cap is a concave yellow crust, present around the base of the hair shaft, and of mousy odor. It destroys the hair follicles, so it usually leads to hair loss.

Treatment

The treatment of tinea capitis should be started immediately, as it may end in complete hair loss. It is usually achieved by a combination of anti-fungal medications, either topical such as miconazole (Monistat) and systemic such as Griseofulvin (Grifulvin). anti-bacterial antibiotics to fight the accompanying bacterial infections. Anti-septic solutions such as k. permanganate (Chameleon mineral) are recommended in kerions to remove the crusts. The treatment of tinea capitis should last for at least six to ten weeks to completely get rid of fungi.