Cases of tinea capitis may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. The etiological organisms depend on geographic area. In North America, they are Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. Diagnosis is made clinically as well as by potassium hydroxide scraping, mycologic culture, and Wood’s light examination. Hair infected by M. canis fluoresces under Wood’s light; hair infected by T. tonsurans does not. Treatment is systemic with griseofulvin (Fulvicin®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or terbinafine (Lamisil®).

Fungal infection of the scalp causing inflammation. It can lead to scarring. Oral therapy is required.