Tinea capitis is most prevalent between 3 and 7 years of age. It is slightly more common on boys than girl. Infection by Trichophyton tonsurans may occur in adults. Anthropophilic infections such as I. Tonsurans are more common in crowded living conditions. The fungus can contaminate hairbrushes, clothing, towels and the backs of seats. The spores are long lived and can infect another individual months later.Baron et al (2003).
Zoophilic infections are due to direct contact with an infected animal are not generally passed from one person to another. Geophilic infections usually arise when working in infected soil but are sometimes transferred from an infected animal.Tinea capitis may present in several ways Anosike et al (2005).
Dry Scaling: like dandruff but usually moth-eaten hair loss.
Black dots: The hair are broken off at the scalp surface, which is scaly smooth areas of hair loss kerion very inflamed mass, like an abscess.
Favus: Yellow crusts and matted hair carrier state no symptoms and only mild scaling (T.tonsurans).
Tinea capitis may result in swollen lymph gland at the sides of the back of the neck. Untreated kerior and favus may result in permanent scarring (bald areas).
In some countries, infected children are not allowed to attained school. Elsewhere children with Tinea capitis can attend school providing they are receiving treatment. Carriers many have no symptoms Omar (2000).
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