Tinea capitis can cause scaly patches, itching, redness, broken hairs and hair loss. It is most common in children but can affect adults. It may mimic dandruff, alopecia areata or traction alopecia, so diagnosis may require microscopy, culture or other tests. A more inflamed form called kerion can be painful and swollen. Because the fungus involves the hair shaft and follicle, topical creams alone are usually not sufficient; oral antifungal treatment is typically required. Early treatment reduces spread and lowers the risk of scarring in severe inflammatory cases.
DermNet: Tinea capitis — https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-capitis; British Association of Dermatologists: Tinea capitis — https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/tinea-capitis
