10 Myths about Tinea Capitis

MYTH #1: Ringworm is a worm.

FACT: Ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection affecting the body and the scalp. It can be caused by several different fungi. Ringworm of the scalp is known as tinea capitis. In the United States, tinea capitis is most commonly caused by the organism Trichophyton tonsurans.

MYTH #2: Only people with poor hygiene habits develop tinea capitis.

FACT:Hair grooming practices—such as using pomades or not washing your hair—do not seem to be a major factor when it comes to developing tinea capitis. However, contact with items—such as combs and brushes—that are used on an infected person's scalp does lead to the spread of the infection between family members and friends.

MYTH #3: Tinea capitis is restricted to one ethnic group.

FACT:Tinea capitis affects all races, but some groups are at higher risk for infection. In the 1950s, a strain of tinea capitis caused by the Microsporum audouini fungus infected mostly young Caucasian males. However, since the 1970s, tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans has been most commonly found in African Americans.

MYTH #4: Tinea capitis is not contagious. Family members should not worry about becoming infected

FACT:The infection is easily transmitted and can be carried without symptoms. When a person develops ringworm of the scalp, everyone around him or her should be screened and treated if necessary.

MYTH #5: Only children suffer from tinea capitis.

FACT:While tinea capitis primarily strikes children ages 3 to 9, everyone is at risk for the disease. Studies have documented cases in infants and in elderly patients. According to one study, 30 percent of adult caregivers have also been diagnosed with ringworm of the scalp, which can be carried without noticeable symptoms.

MYTH #6: Tinea capitis can only be transmitted through physical contact.

FACT:Tinea capitis can be transmitted through direct physical contact, but numerous other routes of infection exist. The fungus has been found on floors, bed sheets, clothing, combs, brushes, hair accessories, telephones, toys, lockers and dolls' hair.

MYTH #7 Tinea capitis is easy to diagnose.

FACT:M. audouinii, the primary cause of the ringworm of the scalp outbreak of the 1950s, could be detected easily by its fluorescence under a Wood's lamp. T. tonsurans, the primary cause of today's tinea capitis, is difficult to diagnose and may require a fungal culture.

MYTH #8: Tinea capitis is easy to cure.

FACT:Because T. tonsurans lives in the hair shaft, it does not respond to topical treatments, such as medicated shampoo, conditioner or creams. Tinea capitis, if not treated properly with a oral prescription medication, like GRIFULVIN V^® (griseofulvin) microsize, can be very serious and can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. When side effects to GRIFULVIN V^® (griseofulvin) microsize occur, they are most commonly of the hypersensitivity type, such as skin rashes and hives.

MYTH #9: People can only become infected with tinea capitis once.

FACT:Because a person has been infected and treated once does not mean that ringworm won't strike again. Many different fungi can cause ringworm.

MYTH #10: Transmission of tinea capitis is easy to control.

FACT:Because the infection may take on the appearance of mere dandruff, and because many carriers are asymptomatic, tinea capitis often goes undetected. The undiagnosed fungus can infect entire families, day-care centers, classrooms and hospital wards. Thus, since ringworm is difficult to control, family members and caregivers of infected children should have regular screenings to detect and stop the spread of the fungus.