Description

Tinea capitis is uncommon in infants and as a result diagnosis may be delayed.


 

Sources:

(1) animal

(2) soil

(3) family members

(4) other children or adults (including day care)

 

The child presents with a scalp lesion with or without alopecia and/or scaling.

 

Reasons to suspect tinea capitis:

(1) exposure to a source, especially an animal or human with a skin lesion

(2) foreign travel or immigrant status

 

If suspected:

(1) the affected hair should be cultured on dermatophyte media

(2) family members should be evaluated

(3) other sources of exposure should be investigated

 


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