Tinea Capitis: Symptoms, Causes, and TreatmenLast Updated: 9/21/2Updated: 9/21/23
Updated: 9/21/23
Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair. It is a common skin condition caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Though it is most commonly seen in children, it can also affect adults. Tinea Capitis can be highly contagious and can quickly spread from one person to another. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Tinea Capitis. In this post, we will discuss all the important information about this infection to help you take the necessary steps to prevent and treat it.
What is Tinea Capitis?
Tinea capitis is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection. This condition usually affects the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows. The fungus that causes this infection attacks hair shafts and hair follicles. Sometimes physicians refer to this infection as ringworm of the scalp and tinea tonsurans. However, tinea is a group of fungal diseases. The names of the condition differ depending on where the infection develops on the body. For example, tinea capitis is a scalp infection while tinea pedis is an infection on the feet, commonly called athlete’s foot.
Although tinea capitis is called ringworm of the scalp, it is not a result of worms, but a fungus. The infection forms circular marks on the scalp with flat centers and raised borders. The pattern is what gives the condition its name. Tinea capitis is highly contagious and often spreads from one person to another by sharing combs, hats, towels and pillows. Although it is most common in children, tinea capitis can affect people in all age groups.
Tinea Capitis Symptoms
The symptoms of tinea capitis can vary from one individual to another. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may develop severe symptoms. Common symptoms of tinea capitis include itching, hair loss, scaling, redness, and small bumps on the scalp. Children with tinea capitis may develop swollen lymph nodes in the neck or a fever, while adults may experience inflammation of the eyelids. The scalp is usually red and crusty and the infected areas usually have an intense itch.
Types of Tinea Capitis
The symptoms of tinea capitis may differ depending on the type of fungus that caused the infection.
Black Dot Ringworm
This is the most common tinea capitis in the United States. It comes from the Trichophyton (T. tonsurans) organism. The fungus infects the hair shafts, leaving the hair so brittle that it breaks off at the surface of the scalp. Hair loss is a common side effect. The remaining shafts have small black dots on the infected areas.
Gray Patch Ringworm
Gray patch ringworm is another type of fungal infection, from the organism Microsporum. Although it is rare in the U.S., this particular fungus is one of the leading causes of tinea capitis in Europe.
During the initial phases of the infection, this bacteria causes lesions that start as small, red bumps on the hair shafts. They then grow outward, creating red, dry and scaly rings on the scalp. The hair on the affected areas is gray and dull until it falls off. Patients with gray patch ringworm infestation often have intense itching.
Kerion Tinea Capitis (Inflammatory Ringworm)
Kerion tinea capitis is an inflammatory type of tinea capitis. It’s characterized by pus-filled lesions on the scalp and hair loss patches. The affected area may also be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. In rare cases, kerion tinea capitis can lead to permanent hair loss and scarring. This type of tinea capitis is often seen in individuals with weakened immune systems and can be treated through a combination of anti-fungal medication and steroids.
This type of ringworm often comes from fungi from animals and soil. It causes areas of inflammation with pus-filled abscesses. The patient may also notice elevated masses with broken hairs that discharge pus, called kerion formations. This type of tinea capitis can cause permanent scarring and hair loss.
It may cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, itching and pain on the skin. The symptoms may begin to appear about two weeks after the patient contracts it from an infected person or contaminated object. However, contact with an infected person does not necessarily translate to infection.
Tinea Capitis Causes
Tinea capitis is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that thrive on the skin, hair, and nails. The fungi can be transmitted by direct contact with a person who has the infection. Sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items with an infected person can also transmit the fungi. They prefer warm and moist environments. Therefore, they thrive on sweaty skin. Poor hygiene and overcrowding increase the chances of spreading the infection.
Ringworm is extremely contagious. The fungi can spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects, such as bedding, public seats, hats, combs, hairbrushes and clothing. However, contact alone may not always cause an infection. The fungi that cause tinea capitis affects humans, but it can also infect dogs, farm animals and soil.
Risk Factors for Tinea Capitis
Ringworm mostly affects children between 4 and 14 years old. However, younger children and adults can also get infected. Tinea capitis is a common infection in urban areas with poor hygiene, damp climates and overcrowded housing units. In addition, it is more severe in people with weak or compromised immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you suspect that you or your child may have tinea capitis. Symptoms to look for include hair loss as well as scaling, pain and severe itching on the scalp. Although tinea capitis is not a medical emergency, seeking early treatment will minimize discomfort and avoid complications like permanent scars and hair loss.
Diagnosing Tinea Capitis
In most cases, doctors use a physical exam to diagnose tinea capitis. During the exam, the physician may examine the patient’s scalp with a wood lamp that transmits UV light. When the light hits the base of the hair shaft, it emits a blue-green fluorescent light that indicates the presence of fungi.
The doctor can also diagnose tinea capitis with a simple visual inspection, taking note of the patient’s symptoms. They may also scrape pieces of the scalp with a surgical blade to analyze in a laboratory. The patient may have to undergo this procedure more than once to make sure the infection is clear. The doctor may also use cotton swabs, a toothbrush or moistened gauze to collect tissue samples from the scalp.
How to Treat Tinea Capitis
Usually ringworm is not a serious condition, but it can cause discomfort. Luckily, the condition is treatable. A doctor may prescribe antifungal medication in oral pills or shampoos, such as griseofulvin and terbinafine hydrochloride. However, these antifungal medications may cause some side effects, including diarrhea, upset stomach, fatigue and vomiting. Patients may also experience headaches, rashes, hives and sensitivity to the sun.
Medicated Shampoo
An antifungal shampoo is another medical intervention used to treat tinea capitis. The shampoo is applied to the scalp and left for a specific period before rinsing. Antifungal shampoos contain ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and Zinc pyrithione, which help to treat the fungal infection and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may recommend you use antifungal shampoo in combination with other medication to ensure complete clearance of the infection. Although medicated shampoos help prevent the fungus that causes tinea capitis from spreading, they do not kill the microorganisms. Therefore, patients should combine this treatment with oral medication.
Recovery and Reinfection
The most common treatment for tinea capitis is oral antifungal medication. These medications are prescribed by a doctor and work by killing the fungal infection. Some of the most commonly used antifungal medications for tinea capitis include Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, and Itraconazole. No one should ever self-medicate with these drugs as they come with their side effects and may lead to complications.
With medication, ringworm may take up to a month to heal, depending on the extent of the infection. Therefore, it is essential to be patient and take all medications that a physician prescribes and follow their directions. After four to six weeks, the doctor may recommend a follow-up exam to check if the infection is healing. Getting rid of tinea capitis can be difficult and it’s possible to contract the infection more than once. Tinea capitis can cause a few long-term complications, including bald or scarred patches on the scalp.
If a patient believes they—or their children—may have tinea capitis, it’s a good idea to have any pets or farm animals checked and treated as well. In addition, avoid sharing personal items like hats, combs and towels. Sterilize the hairbrushes and combs that infected family members use on a regular basis to prevent the infection from spreading.
Tinea Capitis in Adults
Most cases of tinea capitis in adults are caused by exposure to fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public pools, and communal showers. People whose scalp and hair are more prone to moisture are more susceptible to contracting the infection.
Tinea capitis is treatable using several methods. One of the most common medical treatments is oral antifungal medication, which works by killing the fungus inside the hair follicles. This treatment usually takes several weeks to several months to complete. Medicines like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are commonly used to treat tinea capitis.
Other non-medical options for treating tinea capitis include the use of medicated shampoos and antifungal creams, which help to control the spread of the infection. Regular washing of hair and scalp can help to reduce the risk of infection. Over-the-counter antifungal shampoos like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc can be used for this purpose. If the infection is severe, a doctor may recommend a combination of antifungal pills and topical treatments to manage the symptoms and eliminate the infection.
Supplements for Tinea Capitis
Taking natural supplements are another option that patients can use to fight off infections. Supplements that boost the immune system may even help prevent the infection in the first place. However, supplements are not a replacement for medical treatment or medical advice. Always consult a physician before starting a supplement regimen.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in a type of antioxidant called polyphenols that help the body fight off infections and protect it from disease. According to research, polyphenols help increase the existing antioxidant levels in the body. It can help relieve inflammation and also benefit the skin, possibly treating conditions like acne, rosacea and warts. It may also help the skin heal from a fungal infection like ringworm. The recommended dosage for green tea extract as a dietary supplement is 500 to 1,000 mg per day. However, patients should never exceed 1,000 mg a day.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Vitamin B7, also called biotin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It benefits metabolism and helps regulate genes and cell signaling. Biotin supplements promote healthy skin, nails and hair. Research shows that it helps keep the nails firm and thick and keeps the skin smooth. Studies show that it may even help reduce hair loss, which is a possible complication of ringworm on the scalp. If a patient with ringworm begins to lose their hair, biotin supplements may help it regrow. As a dietary supplement, take biotin 1% (Vitamin B7) in 100 mg doses per day.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential to the immune system. It helps regulate the body’s response to infections. Low levels of vitamin D have a connection to an higher risk of fungal infections. Increasing your intake of vitamin D through supplements or rich food sources such as oily fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms may help in reducing the risk of tinea capitis.
Potassium
With a fast absorption rate and a high essential mineral content, potassium contributes to a number of different processes in the body. The human body contains an abundant amount of potassium and 98 percent of it is in the body’s cells. It is the main electrolyte in the body that helps maintain fluid regulation and keep the cells healthy. Most of the time, people get potassium from their diet, including bananas, oranges, spinach and nuts. However, it is also available as a supplement that can ensure a consistent dosage.
As a dietary supplement, take 275 mg of potassium citrate powder per day, unless a doctor recommends a different dosage. Use an accurate milligram scale to measure the serving size because an overdose can cause stomach upset and flatulence. Stop taking this supplement if you experience an allergic reaction such as a rash, difficulty breathing or dizziness.
Oregano
Free of fillers, artificial flavors and synthetic chemical residue, oregano extract has several different potential health benefits. Research shows that it may help manage the symptoms of various diseases, including colitis and candida, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. Specifically, carvacrol, a natural phenol, is the main ingredient in oregano. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal characteristics that may help fight fungal infections like tinea capitis.
The safe dietary serving size for oregano extract powder is 500 mg up to three times per day with meals, unless a physician recommends a different dosage. The product may cause mild stomach upset, but it often does not last. Oregano extract may also cause allergic reactions in patients with an allergy to related herbaceous perennial plants, such as mint.
Grapefruit Seed
People recognize the grapefruit for its bittersweet citrus taste. But grapefruit seeds are also a wonderful ingredient that promote overall health. It is full of antioxidants that fight free radicals that can cause disease. It also has powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies show that it is capable of fighting fungal infections like candida and even athlete’s foot, another type of tinea infection. As a supplement, the recommended dosage for grapefruit seed extract is 500 to 1,000 mg up to three times per day before a workout.
The Bottom Line
Tinea capitis is a highly infectious fungal infection. Its most common name is ringworm of the scalp. It affects the skin, causing dryness, scarring and itchiness on the scalp. There are different types of tinea capitis that produce different types of rashes on the skin—black dot ringworm, gray patch ringworm and inflammatory ringworm. It spreads through contact with an infected person or sharing personal items, such as clothes, bedding and hairbrushes. It can also spread through animals and soil.
Ringworm is not usually a serious condition, but it can cause a lot of discomfort. Fortunately, treatment is available. Doctors may recommend antifungal oral medication or shampoo. Since the condition is contagious, it’s important for patients’ family members to take various steps to avoid contracting it themselves. Patients should sterilize hair brushes, combs and towels to prevent reinfection. There are also natural remedies that may help treat or prevent ringworm of the scalp, such as supplements that fight infections. However, it’s important to take supplements along with other physician-recommended forms of treatment. They are not a medical treatment on their own, although they may benefit overall health.
Tinea capitis can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but it is a treatable condition as long as it is diagnosed and treated promptly. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and extensive cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces can help prevent the spread of tinea capitis. If you or your child develops symptoms of tinea capitis, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Remember, it’s always better to address any health concerns early than to wait until they become more severe.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
