Tinea capitis

Definition

A fungal infection of the scalp

Causes

A Fungi called dermatophytes

Diagnostic tests

A visual examination

Wood's lamp examination

A skin lesion biopsy

Signs and symptoms

Partial hair loss

Brittle hair

Painful scalp

Swollen lymph nodes

Itchy pstches on the scalp

Low-grade fever

Nursing care plan

Administer anti-fungal medication as prescribed

Management

Anti-fungal medications

Pathophysiology

The fungi penetrates hair follicle outer root sheath and invade hair shaft

Intruct the patient and family to use separate combs

Encourage all family members to be examined