What Is Tinea Capitis?
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
7. How Is Tinea Capitis Diagnosed?
A doctor may take a sample of hair or skin to test it for fungal infection. This requires sending the sample to the lab for testing, and it can take up to three weeks for the results to come back. To examine the scalp carefully for signs of infection, the doctor may illuminate it with a special light called a Wood’s lamp.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
However, measures such as these usually aren’t necessary to make a diagnosis of tinea capitis. Because the pattern of round bald patches is so distinctive, often a visual examination of the scalp, combined with questions about the course that the symptoms have taken, is sufficient to make the diagnosis.1Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918
Advertisement
