Tinea Capitis: Is Your Child’s Head Itching?

Posted by dermcareonline on January 21, 2010 under ringworm, tinea capitis |

Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp and hair, caused by a fungus infection. It is the most common fungus infection in children all over the world.

In children, you might notice scaling of the scalp that resembles dandruff, pus bumps on the scalp, hair loss, or itching. If the infection is severe, you might feel bumps on the back of the neck because the lymph nodes are enlarged.

It is especially common in African American children because of the curly hair. In fact, if an African American child over the age of two complains of an itchy scalp with scaling and possible hair loss, think fungus, fungus, and fungus. Many African American children think that the scaling is just a dry scalp, and they do not seek medical help. A fungal culture can be performed by removing some scalp hairs with tweezers and scraping some scale. This is then put into culture medium for fungus.

Usually, topical antifungal lotions and creams are not enough to treat the infection on the scalp. The infection usually infects the hair shaft and the scalp. Medications most effective are in the form of a pill or a liquid suspension that the child drinks. It is best taken after a fatty meal or snack like ice cream. Kids love it when the doctor tells this to the parents.

If you suspect that your child has a fungus infection of the scalp, do not wait. Go to your doctor to get help. If you wait too long, the infection might cause irreversible hair loss and scarring of the scalp. Treatment is safe and available.