What Is Tinea Capitis?

By kara

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918
• 2. Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis
• 3. Tinea Capitis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/tinea-capitis

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Tinea capitis is more commonly known as ringworm despite the fact that it is not a worm at all.²Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis It is actually a fungal infection that gets the name “ringworm” from the distinctive round bald patches that it causes on the scalp.¹Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918

Tinea capitis is common, highly contagious,³Tinea Capitis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/tinea-capitis and can cause long-term complications. Treatment is possible, but it takes time. It is difficult to stop the infection from spreading, but some preventative measures may slow it down.

1. Who Is Likely to Have a Tinea Capitis Infection?

Tinea capitis most often affects children¹Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918 because they are often together in close quarters at home, school, or day care. It can also be difficult to prevent children from sharing items such as hats, brushes, or comb that can transmit the fungus from one person to another.

However, tinea capitis can affect anyone at any age. If one member of the family has it, other members of the family are more likely to be infected as well.