Tinea capitis is more commonly known as

• A. Dandruff
• B. Seborrheic dermatitis
• C. Hair loss
• D. Ringworm of the scalp

Answer: (D)

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophyte fungi. It is most commonly known as ringworm of the scalp because the infection can produce circular, ring-like patches of scaling and inflammation. The term ringworm reflects the patchy, ringed appearance rather than any worm-like organism. This differs from dandruff, which is just flaky scales without a true fungal infection of the scalp; seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory scalp condition often linked to oiliness and Malassezia, not a dermatophyte infection; and hair loss, which can accompany tinea capitis but is a symptom, not the disease name.