- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) is a fungal scalp infection that can be cured with medication.
More to Know
Tinea capitis occurs when a type of fungus infects the scalp and hair follicles. This can cause the scalp to itch, flake, swell, and become red. Fluid-filled sores might appear in the affected area, and hair may fall out in patches. In some cases a swollen, soft lump with many sores (called a kerion) develops, caused by the body's reaction to the fungus.
Tinea capitis needs to be treated with oral (taken by mouth) antifungal medications. In cases with a kerion, a steroid medication also might be needed to help reduce inflammation. Without treatment, scarring and permanent hair loss may occur.
Keep in Mind
Tinea capitis is contagious, but usually only spreads among people who have frequent close contact with each other, such as family members.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.