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Tinea Capitis is a disease caused by fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair
shafts and follicles. It is also called "ringworm of the scalp". The condition is caused by a fungus that invades the hair shaft and causes
the hairs to break. The bare patch of hair loss is often round and the scalp takes on a black-dotted stubble appearance from hair shafts
broken off at the surface. There may also be mild itching and scaling. The condition is transmitted by contact from one infected child to
another through the sharing of combs, brushes, hats, barrettes, pillows and bath towels. Minor bruising of the scalp occasionally provides
an entry for the microscopic fungus. Children 3 to 10 years of age are more susceptible and boys are more so than girls. Ringworm of the
scalp is not dangerous. Without treatment, however, the hair loss can be considerable, and some children will develop a boggy, tender
swelling of the scalp known as a kerion.
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