skin disorders
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm
Tinea capitis may cause a dry scaly rash that may be somewhat itchy, a patch of hair loss ( Alopecia (Hair Loss) ), or both. One type of fungus causes "black dot" ringworm, in which hair shafts break at the scalp surface. Another type of fungus causes "gray patch" ringworm, in which hair shafts break above the scalp surface, leaving short stubs. Tinea capitis may sometimes cause flaking that resembles dandruff. A dermatophyte infection occasionally causes a kerion, which is a large, painful, inflamed, swollen patch on the scalp that sometimes oozes pus. A kerion may have blisters and crusting and can look like an abscess (a pocket of pus). A kerion is caused by an immune system reaction to the fungus and may result in scarring hair loss. 