Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a contagious fungal infection common in children, presenting as itchy, scaly patches with hair loss, including black dots where hair has broken off. Treatment requires oral antifungal medications to reach the hair follicles, such as griseofulvin or terbinafine, along with an antifungal shampoo like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole to help prevent spread. In severe cases with a swollen, painful lump called a kerion, a corticosteroid may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.