Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss. Tinea capitis (a fungal scalp infection) typically has round areas of hair loss with scaling and redness of the scalp. This image displays widespread areas of tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (ringworm) can cause thick, white, scaly areas within the scalp. This image displays round, scaly, slightly elevated areas on the scalp typical of tinea capitis.
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Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis)  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis): Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss. Divider line
Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss.
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Who's At Risk
Black and Hispanic children are at higher risk for scalp ringworm than other populations. Although the typical age that children become infected is between 3–7 years, infants can become infected, especially if other members of the household have a ringworm infection. Spores from the fungus may be airborne and spread easily. Direct contact through sharing of combs, hats, etc also spreads the spores of the fungus; the spores can be present on furniture as well, which facilitates transfer of the fungus.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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