What Is Tinea Capitis?
Article Sources
- 1. Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918
- 2. Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis
- 3. Tinea Capitis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/tinea-capitis
2. What Causes Tinea Capitis?
There are several species of fungus that can cause tinea capitis. They are called dermatophytes because they infect the skin, feeding on the dead tissue they find in the outer layer of the scalp.2Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis The heat from the body helps the dermatophytes to thrive, as does the moisture from sweat.
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Tinea capitis is a fungal infection specific to the scalp. The different species of fungus that cause tinea capitis can affect other areas of the body, but those infections are given different names. For example, tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the feet, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, while tinea cruris affects the genitals and is more commonly known as jock itch. Ringworm that occurs elsewhere on the body is called tinea corporis.1Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918
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