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Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection caused by Trichophyton rubrum that is also known as ringworm of the scalp. This fungal infection is caused by a mold like fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi grow especially well on hair follicles in dead tissue cells.

These fungal infections are much more common if scalp injuries are present, if one does not bathe well or often, and if one has wet skin for long amounts of time.

Tinea Capitis can be spread from either direct body contact with someone who has had it, or by wearing clothes formerly worn by someone who had it.

Symptoms 

Symptoms are all generally shown in the scalp which include hair loss, black dots, round scaly and swollen skin, pus-filled pores, and itchiness. A mild fever as well as swollen lymph nodes may also be a part of the symptoms. This disease affects mostly children, and luckily it gets better after puberty. However, Tinea Capitis is hard to get rid of, and if ridden of, there is a high probability of its return.

Prevention  

Modes of prevention should include keeping the scalp clean by washing daily, and not sharing clothes, brushes or other items that may come in contact with the scalp of others.

Management 

To treat this disease, doctors will often prescribe a medicine such as fluconazole,clothrimazole cream from 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, it is important to maintain a clean scalp, avoid sharing clothing and brushes, and use special shampoos. Tinea Capitis is extremely contagious. However, once treatment is started, it is only contagious for 48 hours.