Posts Tagged ‘scalp’

Tinea Capitis Fungal Infection

A mold-like fungus called Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. Tinea capitis fungal infection is widespread in some urban areas, particularly in children of Afro-Caribbean heritage, in North America, Central America, and South America.  It is common in parts of Africa and India. In Southeast Asia, the rate of infection has been reported to have decreased dramatically from fourteen percent to slightly over one percent in the last fifty years.  This said to be because of improved general sanitary conditions and improved personal hygiene practices in these areas. In northern Europe, occurrence of the disease is irregular at best.

In the United Kingdom and North America, T tonsurans is credited for more than ninety percent of cases of Tinea capitis fungal infection. In the non-urban areas, infrequent infections acquired from puppies and kittens are due to M canis, although this accounts for less than ten percent of cases in the United Kingdom. Occasional infection comes from other animal hosts like T verrucosum, from cattle, occur in more rural areas.

Tinea capitis can be persistent and very contagious. Tinea capitis is also called ringworm of the scalp.  Affecting children almost exclusively, this is a skin disorder that is caused by fungal organisms known as dermatophytes.  They cause scalp ringworm by outwardly contaminating certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. Tinea capitis is predominantly a disease of preadolescent children. It accounts for up to 92.5% of dermatophyte infections in children less than ten years of age. The disease is rare in adults, although occasionally, it has been found to affect the elderly. Tinea capitis occurrence is widespread in some urban areas in the United States.

Bald, patchy, areas where the hair has broken off from the scalp is just one of the symptoms of ringworm or Tinea capitis fungal infection.  Others are itching of the scalp, pus-filled lesions or sores on the scalp, round, scaly lesions on the scalp that may be inflamed, and small black dots on the scalp. This fungus is very contagious and easily passed from one person to another.  There is sometimes a problem with infection and re-infection within families, communities, and schools.

Tinea capitis symptoms to watch for are thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy swellings, or expanded raised red rings. Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff, and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin. Tinea capitis often presents identically to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Tinea Capitis Kerion

Tinea capitis otherwise known as scalp ringworm is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp. With certain dermatophyte infections like Tinea Capitis kerions are occasionally formed.  A kerion is a large, boggy, inflammatory scalp mass caused by a severe inflammatory reaction to the dermatophyte. A kerion may have pustules and crusting and can be mistaken for an abscess. A kerion may also cause scarring and hair loss.

Tinea capitis symptoms and signs vary by the area affected for example the skin, hair, nails etc.  Organism virulence and host susceptibility and hypersensitivity determine severity.  Most often, there is little or no inflammation; asymptomatic or mildly itching lesions with a scaling, slightly raised border fade and recur sporadically. Occasionally, inflammation is more severe and shows up as sudden vesicular or bullous disease. This is normally of the foot. It may also occur as an inflamed boggy lesion of the scalp called a kerion.

Tinea capitis causes the gradual appearance of round patches of dry scale, alopecia, or both. T. tonsurans infection causes what is called black dot ringworm.  With this infection the hair shafts break at the scalp surface.  M. audouinii infection causes patch ringworm.  The hair shafts break above the surface, leaving short stubs with this particular type of infection. Tinea capitis is less likely to appear as drawn out scaling, like dandruff, or in a spreading pustular patte

What is the most probable explanation for the higher occurrence of Tinea Capitis in the African-American population is that the higher prevalence is more likely due to infection and re-infection within families, communities, and schools. Ringworm of the scalp is most commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans.  Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common cause in the US, followed by Microsporum canis and M. audouinii. This fungus is easily passed from one person to another. It is also the cause of more than 90 out of every 100 cases of ringworm of the scalp found in both North and Central America.

Children are far more susceptible to the fungal infection and more likely than adults to develop a tinea capitis infection.  It is not unheard of that even after exposure to fungi causing ringworm adults do not develop an infection.   Adults can be carriers for ringworm, as well as children, but is less likely that the children carry the infection but show no symptoms.  Carriers can pass ringworm on to others but do not have symptoms of the disease.

Tinea Capitis Diagnosis

Tinea capitis symptoms on the scalp may or may not actually lead to a definite tinea capitis diagnosis.  It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus or if it is an actual fungal infection.  This is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively. Tinea capitis is easily and frequently mistaken for other infections. Non-fungal conditions that resemble tinea infections include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea. Suggestions for prevention include things like keeping the area clean.   Using a medicated shampoo, with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection.  It may be necessary for other family members and pets to be examined and treated.

There are options that can be explored to help with diagnosis.  Some are a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination can be done or culture or a Wood’s lamp test to confirm a fungal scalp infection.   The Wood’s lamp examination can be useful in evaluating the scope of infection, identifying areas for sampling and determining treatment response when the Tinea capitis diagnosis is positive. The examination can also be useful for looking at the contacts of an infected person.

Most dermatophytes do not fluoresce during examination but there are exceptions to this rule.  Two of those exceptions are zoophilic dermatophytes. Zoonotic means the disease can be passed from animals to humans.  Cats are more likely to be infected with Tinea capitis of all animals.  The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs just like infected humans.

Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes may cause scalp ringworm by infecting certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. It can be persistent as well  as contagious. Symptoms may consist of itching, scaly, and inflamed balding areas on the scalp. The specific pattern of fungal scalp ringworm depends on the infecting organisms.  Ringworm of the scalp or beard may look like dandruff with flakes of dead skin on the hair or beard. The infection can spread gradually and cover a large area.  Oral antifungal medications are required to treat the infection.  It is estimated that 3-8% of the population is affected by ringworm in the United States alone. Some people can carry the infection and pass it to others in the household. In other countries, statistics show an estimated 9.6% of people are affected to varying degrees, and nearly 40% can be carriers.

Ringworm Scalp Tinea Capitis

When dealing with skin infections such as ringworm scalp (tinea capitis) and feet (tinea pedis) are the more common areas affected by this type of infection.  Ringworm of the scalp is a very common fungal infection but it can be treated and kept from spreading to others. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes can cause scalp ringworm by on the surface infecting certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. This forms the crusty, scaly patches related with scalp ringworm. Scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis) is a very widespread and extremely common fungal infection predominately seen in children the world round. Children from four to fourteen years are the most likely to develop tinea capitis symptoms, although it can occasionally appear in adults.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is also one of the more common causes of hair loss. On some occasions it may be quite easy to recognize the infection because of the scalp symptoms which can include a red circular lesion, hair loss, and a scaly border that may be itchy. Scalp ringworm signs and symptoms can often be more subtle though, with no apparent signs of scaling or itching, and broken hairs instead of hair loss which is called black dot tinea capitis. Some of the symptoms of tinea capitis or scalp ringworm to watch for are bald patched areas, where hair that has broken off from the scalp, itching of the scalp, pus-filled lesions or sores on the scalp, round, scaly lesions on the scalp that may be inflamed, and small black dots on the scalp.
Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration, skin folds that stay damp are ripe for a fungal infection attack. The fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow and thrive in warm moist areas of the body.  The feet, the groin and the scalp are good examples of the areas most affected.  You may experience bald patches where hair would normally grow on the scalp.  The fungus lives on the dead tissue of the skin and leaves a lesion.  Ringworm can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. It has been found that in many cases as a person reaches puberty it goes away on its own.  Good hygiene is a key factor to generally prevent and treat tinea infection of the skin because it may be aggravatingly persistent, and come back again after treatment.

Head Lice Home Remedies – Do They Really Work?
Head lice infestations are an all too common occurrence, particularly in the case of children for the easiest way to transfer lice between individuals is by actual contact. The conventional medicinal treatments for head lice are chemically manufactured, and it is no surprise that many people choose to seek alternative remedies to the problem, preferably those that do not involve dousing the child’s head in chemicals.
The first thing to do when considering head lice home remedies is to make sure the symptoms that patient is showing are indeed those that indicate the presence of lice. Very often dandruff is mistaken for nits – the eggs of the lice – and an easy method of discerning whether the creatures are indeed the problem is to comb the child’s hair over a white sheet of paper. Examining any dark spots that fall onto the paper, and comparing them with head lice pictures that you can find on the internet, will enable you to make a correct diagnosis.
One piece of advice given to those looking for head lice treatment methods is to use a specially constructed lice comb, available at any good pharmacist: this is a small comb that is intended for removing lice by simple combing, and while the method is often successful it is time consuming and needs to be repeated on a regular basis.
There are several substances that many claim help to kill the lice, generally by suffocation and keeping them from moving, and such home remedies range from covering the head in vinegar or mayonnaise, to herbal remedies and other products, all of which can be successful but are not scientifically proven. If, however, any method is preferable to a chemical treatment then these methods are worth a try, if sometimes very messy indeed.
One of the reasons why head lice have become very common in recent years is that they are prone to adapting, and they can live in adverse conditions very easily. It is a mistake to believe, however, that head lice exist primarily in those with poor hygiene, a belief that is disproven by the sheer number of cases. When in the nit stage – that is existing as tiny eggs – they are at the most difficult point to remove as they are fixed to the hair with a very successful adhesive, and this is why many practitioners recommend the combing routine as the best solution.
If head lice symptoms are seen then acting quickly is always advisable, as the eggs hatch in just a few days, and begin to breed as adults very quickly indeed.

One of the problems associated with head lice, in fact the main symptom and problem, is that of incessant irritation and itching affecting the scalp; this comes about because the scalp is the place where the louse feeds, piercing the skin to feed on our blood, and also where it lives and lays its eggs, the difficult to get rid of nits.
There are different types of head lice scalp treatments, all of which involve washing the scalp in a solution of some sort; it could be that you choose to use the medicinal, insecticide based scalp treatments that are widely available, or that you opt for the natural remedies that make up a good proportion of head lice treatments, but either way the fact remains that the scalp is one area that requires close attention in the fight against the lice.
One problem with the insecticide lotions, gels and shampoos is that they can result in minor side effects, the most common of which can be further irritation to the scalp, and an increase in dandruff; for this reason, sufferers who have this sort of reaction may prefer to try the natural remedies available, particularly those shampoos that include the widely regarded substance that is tea tree oil, an essential oil regarded by the Aborigines of Australia and known to have certain medicinal features.
Further substances that are often applied to the scalp as head lice remedies may seem somewhat unusual; vinegar, for instance, is one substance that is used as it has acidic qualities, and the acid helps to loosen the very strong adhesive that adheres the nit to the hair. Once applied and rinsed, the vinegar helps to make the nit easier to remove.
More unusual still is the use of mayonnaise, whose thick oily properties are utilized to suffocate the lice by filling in their breathing holes, and although a messy and very odd method, this does seem to work; some people, preferring not to appear too bizarre, use the slightly less unusual application of olive oil to achieve the same results.
The scalp is the area that needs to be examined on a regular basis, with hair being pulled clean out of the way for a better view, as it is here that the tell tale signs of moving creatures and tiny nits will be observed, and it is here that the treatment needs to begin in order to rid the head of the unwanted head lice nit.

A fungal infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is also called ringworm of the scalp.  This is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively.  Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes cause scalp ringworm by superficially infecting certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. It can be persistent and very contagious. Symptoms may consist of itching, scaly, and inflamed balding areas on the scalp. Oral antifungal medications are required to treat the infection.

A health care provider may suspect scalp ringworm by the tinea capitis symptoms on the scalp but tests should be done to confirm the tinea capitis diagnosis.  Tests may include skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture or a Wood’s lamp test to confirm a fungal scalp infection.

Most dermatophytes do not fluoresce. There are exceptions.  Two of those exceptions are zoophilic dermatophytes. Zoonotic means the disease can be passed from animals to humans.  Cats are more likely to be infected of all animals.  The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs.  It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus.  Microsporum canis and Microsporum andoui are zoonotic minor causes fluoresce a blue-green color. A Wood’s light examination can also help to differentiate erythrasma caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum from tinea cruris.  The former fluoresces coral-red and the latter does not fluoresce.

The Wood’s light examination can be helpful in evaluating the scope of infection, identifying areas for sampling and determining treatment response when the tinea capitis diagnosis is positive. The examination can also be helpful for examining the contacts of an infected person.

Microscopic examination is fundamental to the office diagnosis of any tinea infection. A biopsy is scraped from an active area of the lesion, placed in a drop of potassium hydroxide solution and examined by microscope. The examination is highly sensitive and specific for dermatophyte identification but can be done quickly and easily,

If hyphae are identified in fungal infections and if pseudohyphae or yeast forms are seen in Candida or Pityrosporum infections, microscopy is positive. A positive examination is adequate to justify starting treatment.  Species identification does not usually influence treatment choices.

There are several different options that are often used to treat this condition.  Suggestions for prevention include things like keeping the area clean.   Using a medicated shampoo, with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection.  It may be necessary for other family members and pets to be examined, diagnosed and treated.

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is a very common fungal infection among children throughout the world.  Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes cause scalp ringworm by superficially infecting certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. This forms the crusty, scaly patches related with scalp ringworm.

According to Wikipedia, tinea capitis symptoms to watch for are thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy swellings, or expanded raised red rings (ringworm). Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff, and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin. It often presents identically to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis in African American children. The highest incidence is in African American boys of school age.

In the United States, an estimated 3-8% of the population is affected by scalp ringworm. Some people can be carriers of the organism and spread it to others in the household. In other countries, an estimated 9.6% of people are affected, and nearly 40% can be carriers.

Children from four to fourteen years are the most likely to develop tinea capitis symptoms, although it can occasionally appear in adults.  Scalp ringworm is seen most frequently in urban areas among people with low incomes living in overcrowded conditions.  This disease also tends to be more severe in children suffering from weakened immune systems, such as those with afflictions like diabetes, AIDS, or cancer.

Tinea capitis may be extremely persistent, and it may return after treatment. It has been found that in many cases it goes away on its own as a person reaches puberty.  Good general hygiene is a key factor to prevent and treat tinea infections. Shampoo the scalp regularly and avoid contact with infected pets or people. Do not exchange headgear, combs or brushes, and like items.

Anti-fungal medications, taken by mouth, are used to treat the infection. There are several different options that are often used to treat this condition.  Suggestions for prevention include things like keeping the area clean.   Using a medicated shampoo, with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection.  It may be necessary for other family members and pets to be examined and treated.

A health care provider may suspect scalp ringworm by the tinea capitis symptoms on the scalp but tests should be done to confirm the diagnosis.  Tests may include skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture or a Wood’s lamp test to confirm a fungal scalp infection.

The medical term for ringworm is tinea. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.  Medical terminology adds another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Ringworm scalp tinea capitis, all refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, etc.

Ringworm is a common skin disorder known as tinea.  Ringworm is not, in spite of its’ name caused by a worm.  It is a fungal infection of the skin.  In some cases, but not always, it is a round ring-like lesion, hence the name. The term “ringworm” or “ringworms” refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungus infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name “ringworm” has caught on. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.

A zoonotic disease, ringworm can be passed from animals to humans.  Cats are more likely to be infected of all animals.  The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs.  It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus. A highly contagious infection, ringworm can be passed from animal to person or person to person through direct skin contact as well as through contaminated items like clothing, shower or pool surfaces and toiletry items.

The fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow and thrive in warm moist areas of the body.  Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration, skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable.  Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp.  You may experience bald patches where hair would normally grow on the scalp.  The fungus lives on the dead tissue of the skin and leaves a lesion.  Skin fungi, like ringworm can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin.  Rarely do they invade deeper into the body.  They cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.

The medical term for ringworm is tinea. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.  Medical terminology adds another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Ringworm scalp tinea capitis, all refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, etc.

Ringworm is a common skin disorder known as tinea.  Ringworm is not, in spite of its’ name caused by a worm.  It is a fungal infection of the skin.  In some cases, but not always, it is a round ring-like lesion, hence the name. The term “ringworm” or “ringworms” refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungus infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name “ringworm” has caught on. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.

A zoonotic disease, ringworm can be passed from animals to humans.  Cats are more likely to be infected of all animals.  The skin changes in cats are very similar to those of affected people, but cats can carry the infection without exhibiting obvious signs.  It is sometimes hard to tell the source of the fungus. A highly contagious infection, ringworm can be passed from animal to person or person to person through direct skin contact as well as through contaminated items like clothing, shower or pool surfaces and toiletry items.

The fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow and thrive in warm moist areas of the body.  Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration, skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable.  Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp.  You may experience bald patches where hair would normally grow on the scalp.  The fungus lives on the dead tissue of the skin and leaves a lesion.  Skin fungi, like ringworm can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin.  Rarely do they invade deeper into the body.  They cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.