Scalp Fungus (Or Tinea Capitis)

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[edit] Scalp Fungus (Or Tinea Capitis)

Ringworm can be confined to just the scalp of the head . In the US the most common fungus is Trichophyton tonsurans. It starts often in a subtle way and in the beginning resembles dandruff. In other countries the Microsporum species of fungal scalp infections are more common.

The dermatologist can distinguish between the two using Wood's light as the hair fluoresces when Microsporum, which multiplies outside the hairs, is involved, whereas it does not fluoresce with Trichophytum, where the spores grow inside the hairs.

In the link above you can clearly appreciate the patch of whitish fluorescing lesion on the left side in the otherwise blue light of Wood's light.

With staining of a few skin flakes the Microsporum fungus can be demonstrated in this infected skin patch. Here is another image of a tinea capitis lesion that has been neglegted for several months, perhaps years.

Treatment for children with Trichophyton involves a course of 4 weeks with oral suspension of griseofulvin with meals or milk until the scalp infection is entirely resolved. Parallel to this Loprox cream is applied to the scalp and selenium sulfide (brand name: Versel lotion) is used to wash the hair daily.

Infections overview

Skin infections

Tinea infections

References:

1.The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 265.

2.James Chin et al., Editors: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 17th edition, 2000, American Public Health Association

3.The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 112.

4. The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 115.

5. The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 113.