Which scalp condition is a fungal infection of the scalp causing hair loss?

Which scalp condition is a fungal infection of the scalp causing hair loss?

• A. Scabies
• B. Pityriasis capitis
• C. Tinea capitis
• D. Pediculosis capitis

Answer: (C)

Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that invades the hair shafts and follicles, causing weakening and breakage of hairs and resulting in patchy hair loss with scaly patches. It’s caused by dermatophyte fungi (like Microsporum or Trichophyton) and is contagious, often seen in children. This differs from scabies, which is a mite infestation that causes intense itching but not hair loss from fungal invasion; dandruff (pityriasis capitis) involves flaky scales without patchy hair loss from scalp infection; and head lice (pediculosis capitis) causes itching and visible nits but not hair loss due to a fungal process.

Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that invades the hair shafts and follicles, causing weakening and breakage of hairs and resulting in patchy hair loss with scaly patches. It’s caused by dermatophyte fungi (like Microsporum or Trichophyton) and is contagious, often seen in children. This differs from scabies, which is a mite infestation that causes intense itching but not hair loss from fungal invasion; dandruff (pityriasis capitis) involves flaky scales without patchy hair loss from scalp infection; and head lice (pediculosis capitis) causes itching and visible nits but not hair loss due to a fungal process.