Dermatophytoses: Tinea Capitis

Question 1

Tinea Capitis Clinical Feature, Lesion

Answer 1

Round, scaly patches of alopecia, possibly with broken

off hairs; pruritic

Question 2

Tinea Capitis Sites:

Answer 2

scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows; involving hair

shafts and follicles

Question 3

Tinea Capitis Kerion

Answer 3

(boggy, elevated, purulent inflamed nodule/
plaque) may form secondary to infection by bacteria
and result in scarring

Question 4

Tinea Capitis Assoc Symp

Answer 4

May have occipital lymphadenopathy

Question 5

Tinea Capitis Affected Population.

Answer 5

Affects children (mainly black), immunocompromised
adults

Question 6

Tinea Capitis. Transmision

Answer 6

Very contagious and may be transmitted from barber,

hats, theatre seats, pets

Question 7

Tinea Capitis Differential Diagnosis

Answer 7

Alopecia areata, psoriasis,
seborrheic dermatitis,
trichotillomania

Question 8

Tinea Capitis Investigations

Answer 8

Wood’s light examination of hair:
green fluorescence only for
Microsporum infection
Culture of scales/hair shaft
Microscopic examination of
KOH preparation of scales or
hair shafts

Question 9

Tinea Capitis Management. Oral? why? Adjunctive?

Answer 9

Terbinafine (Lamisil®) x 4 wk
NB: oral agents are required to
penetrate the hair root where
dermatophyte resides
Adjunctive antifungal shampoos
or lotions may be helpful, and may
prevent spread (e.g. selenium
sulfide, ketoconozole, ciclopirox)