Added: 12/12/2005 |
Tinea capitis known as contagious scalp infectionAccording to basic common medical knowledge in dermatology the human body usually hosts a wide variety of different microorganisms depending on the etiologic agents involved and anatomic site. They include bacteria, yeast-like fungi (for example Candida) and mold-like fungi (dermatophytes).
There are fungi, which live in moist and warm areas. Such fungi are known to cause tinea capitis. The fungi of species of Microsporum and Trichophyton are likely to cause the disease.
Tinea capitis is the most common pediatric dermatophyte infection worldwide. It's clear that poor hygiene, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or scalp injuries are the factors possible to increase the person's susceptibility to this skin disorder.
Tinea capitis clinical presentation may vary from scaly non-inflamed dermatosis to the inflammation with scaly lesions and hail loss possible to be proceeded into the inflamed deep abscess (known as kerion) with the further potential to permanent alopecia. Everything depends on the interaction between etiologic agents and the host.
Tinea capitis is an infection continuing approximately for eight to ten weeks to spread into the stratum corneum and involve other hairs. The infected area makes up approximately three to seven cm in diameter. Unfortunately, the precise mechanism is still unclear.
The diagnosis regarding tinea capitis is primarily based on the scalp appearance, culture of rubbings, pluckings, clippings or scrapings from lesions. The infected hair is usually the best sample for examination. Their microscopic examination is able to provide the person with the diagnosis immediate confirmation.
It's worth admitting that tinea capitis is spread all over the world, especially in some urban areas of Central, South and North America, in some parts of India and Africa. The sporadic tinea capitis can be found in Europe.
The disease can affect both men and women, but still may depend on the causative fungal organism. It greatly affects children under 10 years of age. That's why tinea capitis and children is one of the most discussed issues nowadays. Be aware that it can be contagious and persistent almost to the point of epidemics. However, it can spontaneously disappear at the teen age (at puberty).
Speaking about tinea capitis treatment it's necessary to note that the goal of treatment should be controlling the infection. To reduce the spread of disease the person may use special medicated shampoo containing selenium sulfide. Very often oral antifungal medications are required. The area should be clean.
For tinea capitis prevention people have to keep good general hygiene, to you're your scalp regularly shampooed (especially after haircuts). As it has already been mentioned the illness is contagious that's why be aware to avoid any close contacts with infected individuals or pets. Tinea capitis can be passed to the person via direct contact with infected one or via different items such as clothing, hats, combs or similar surfaces.
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