In a child with hair loss and scale on the scalp, fungal infection may be the cause. In tinea capitis (fungal infection of the scalp), there can be thick scaling. In tinea capitis, there can be many areas of hair loss, as displayed in this image. Tinea capitis (a fungal scalp infection) typically has round areas of hair loss with scaling and redness of the scalp. Multiple areas of hair loss and scaly patches of skin on the scalp is known as tinea capitis. In addition to a thick scale in this patient, there is usually temporary hair loss due to tinea capitis (ringworm).
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Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis)  Teen information

Picture of Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis): In a child with hair loss and scale on the scalp, fungal infection may be the cause. Divider line
In a child with hair loss and scale on the scalp, fungal infection may be the cause.
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Who's At Risk
Anyone can get scalp ringworm, though it is most commonly seen in children under the age of 10. In the United States, African American children are more likely to have scalp ringworm than others. Boys are more commonly affected than girls.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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