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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Overview
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, commonly known as scalp ringworm, which is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton tonsurans. In a typical infection, the hair follicle becomes infected, and a small red lesion appears. This can spread outward in all directions, causing a large, scaly, circular lesion. The hair that is involved usually becomes brittle and broken, and the affected area is extremely itchy. If the scalp ringworm is left untreated, the scalp can become soft and very tender (boggy) as the infection spreads throughout the body. Children with scalp ringworm may have fever and pain along with enlarged lymph nodes.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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