Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis ( tinea Syn ) in the area of the scalp (from the Latin caput, head '). It occurs mainly in children before puberty. Dermatophytosis in the area of ​​beard hair as tinea barbae be referred.

Pathogen

Triggers of tinea capitis are anthropophilic dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton soudanense also in Africa. The Erbgrind (tinea capitis profunda ) is caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii. Zoophiles, ie transmitted from animals to humans triggers tinea capitis are Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum canis.

In Europe currently dominates Microsporum canis, Trichophyton tonsurans in the United States.

Clinical picture

The clinical presentation depends on the pathogen and the immune status. Mild forms show up in circular scaly changes with hair loss. The disease caused by zoophilic pathogens usually runs stronger and can be characterized by strong inflammatory reactions to a kerion celsi. Trichophyton tonsurans infection in adults usually run without visible symptoms.

Treatment and prevention

For treatment are usually antifungals, used both locally and systemically. The treatment time can be up to three months. Historically, the tinea capitis were also treated with radiation ionosierender what went down in Israel as ringworm affair in the story.

Prophylactic are avoiding the common use of combs, brushes and towels and hygienic precautions when handling animals.