Tinea capitis

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Ringworm of the scalp Wood's lamp test - of the scalp Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Tinea capitis

• Itching of the scalp, may be slight or absent
• Skin (scalp) lesions that are:
  • Round, scaly
  • Gray or reddened (skin redness or inflammation)
  • Bald-appearing patches (hair is broken off, not actually missing)
  • Possibly small black dots on the scalp
• Occasionally localized area of swelling, raw skin, or pus-filled lesion on the scalp (kerion)

The diagnosis is suspected primarily based on the appearance of the scalp. A skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture may show dermatophytes. This test is often not necessary to diagnose tinea capitis. A Wood's lamp test may be performed to confirm the presence of a fungal scalp infection.

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