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Self teaching module for the influence of culture and pigment on skin conditions in children

Category 3: Common Conditions seen in Infancy and Early Childhood

Photo 27: Tinea Capitus

In children with thick curly hair it may be hard to find localized areas of alopecia that are characteristic of tinea capitis. The current epidemic of this illness often presents with a seborrheic-like scaling in the absence of alopecia. This non-inflammed presentation leads to delayed diagnosis and spread within the household. Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common dermatophyte. It does not fluoresce under a Woods lamp.