Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
05:39

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Published on: May 16, 2025

933

Persistent Desquamation of the Scalp as a Manifestation of Tinea Capitis in Sub-Saharan Children

I Betlloch-Mas1, M P Albares-Tendero, M P Soro-Martínez

  • 1Dermatology Service, University General Hospital of Alicante, Avenida Pintor Baeza 12, 03010, Alicante, Spain, betlloch_isa@gva.es.

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
|June 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Chronic scalp scaling in Sub-Saharan African children may indicate tinea capitis, a fungal infection. This study found a significant association, suggesting scaling can be the primary symptom of this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Scalp hyperkeratosis in children is commonly linked to atopic or seborrheic dermatitis.
  • In Black children, scalp scaling can also be a sign of tinea capitis, a fungal infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between chronic scalp scaling and tinea capitis in Sub-Saharan African children.
  • To determine if persistent scalp scaling is a sole clinical manifestation of tinea capitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of Sub-Saharan children with chronic scalp scaling from June 2010 to June 2013.
  • Diagnosis of tinea capitis confirmed by positive mycological (fungal) culture.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation and culture results.

Main Results:

  • Out of 23 Sub-Saharan African children, 12 (43.4%) presented with chronic scalp scaling.
  • Mycological cultures were positive in 6 of 9 cases (26% of all children).
  • Persistent scalp scaling showed a positive culture in 52.1% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic scalp scaling can be the exclusive clinical presentation of tinea capitis in Sub-Saharan African children.
  • Highlights the importance of considering tinea capitis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric scalp scaling in this population.
  • Emphasizes the utility of mycological cultures for accurate diagnosis.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia06:15

Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

1.7K
A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis07:22

A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Published on: March 14, 2025

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands01:21

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands

A sebaceous gland is a type of oil gland found almost all over the skin ( except palms and soles) and helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles. They generate and excrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface, thereby naturally lubricating the dry and dead layer of keratinized cells of the stratum corneum, keeping it pliable.
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
5.5K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.1K
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types01:20

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...
2.8K
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
5.2K
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
91
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
120