Ringworm of the hair or Tinea capitis, as dermatologists like to call it, it is a typically pediatric contagious mycosis. It is characterized by the "inflammation of more or less large areas of the scalp, where" it is possible to notice a certain degree of skin peeling, pseudoalopecia and erythema.
After the infection follows an incubation period of 10-14 days, at the end of which hair loss and desquamation appear, sometimes accompanied by scabs and pus.
Tinea capitis has a rather long course, and even therapies are not always promptly effective. Due to its particular localization, in fact, ringworm of the hair requires treatment with systemic antifungals, while topical therapy is not recommended.
Tinea capitis mainly affects children of school age, becoming very rare after puberty. In adult men, it is more common Tinea barbae, a mycosis that affects the areas of the face where the beard grows, while in adult women the ringworm of the capillitium tends to take root especially after menopause. This particular epidemiological distribution is dictated by the obstacle that the sebaceous fatty acids offer towards the fungal infection; activity that is stimulated by the sex hormones characterizing the fertile period of life.
> 20 kg <40 kg 125 mg / day
> 40 kg 250 mg / day
Tinea capitis is a "highly contagious infection that can give rise to epidemics, especially in the community (schools, orphanages, kindergartens, etc.).
Transmission of ringworm of the head is favored by poor sanitation and overcrowding, and can occur through the sharing of headgear, brushes, combs, scarves, and pillows. Contagion can also occur from infected animals, such as dogs and cats (especially stray puppies), or cows.
The species of dermatophyte responsible for hair ringworm varies according to geographic locations. In Europe, including Italy, the most frequently involved is the Microsporum canis, zoophilic dermatophyte; the inflammation, in this case, is often quite intense (kerion).
The prevention of the infectious process is implemented by adopting the common basic hygiene rules; it is therefore necessary to avoid the mixed use of personal items, such as combs, caps, scarves and headgear, washing the hair every two / three days at the most. These rules must be respected with particular attention especially in case of contagion; individuals affected by ringworm hair must also wash contaminated clothing at high temperatures. In addition to scrupulously following the therapy prescribed by the doctor, it is important to check pets and take care of them in case they have skin lesions. Animals, however, can also be healthy carriers, that is not show any damage to the hair while being able to transmit ringworm.
Ringworm of the hair - Drugs for the treatment of Tinea Capitis "
