What Is Tinea Capitis?
Aug 26, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Yong
Introduction
What is tinea capitis?
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp skin. It encompasses several distinct types, commonly classified as kerion (inflammatory tinea capitis), black dot ringworm, favus, and kerion (suppurative tinea capitis). Each type exhibits unique clinical features and is caused by different dermatophyte pathogens. For instance, kerion results from a dermatophyte infection—often *Trichophyton* species—accompanied by a suppurative (pus-forming) infection of the hair follicles, leading to follicular necrosis and liquefaction that culminates in abscess formation.
Tinea capitis is typically caused by a fungal infection of the scalp skin. It encompasses several types, commonly classified as kerion (inflammatory tinea capitis), black dot tinea, favus (yellow tinea), and kerion (suppurative tinea capitis).
Each type exhibits distinct clinical features and is associated with different causative fungal pathogens. For instance, kerion results from infection by dermatophytes—particularly *Trichophyton* species—accompanied by a suppurative infection of the hair follicles, leading to necrosis of follicular tissue and subsequent liquefaction and abscess formation.
In contrast, white dot tinea and black dot tinea primarily affect the hair follicle roots of the scalp, directly damaging the hair shaft itself; thus, their clinical presentations differ accordingly.
