Which condition is described as a fungal infection of the scalp that can cause patches of hair loss?

• A. Scabies
• B. Pityriasis capitis
• C. Tinea capitis
• D. Pediculosis capitis

Answer: (C)

Tinea capitis is the scalp fungal infection that causes patches of hair loss. It’s caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade the hair shafts, leading to broken hairs and round or irregular patches of alopecia with scaling or crusting around the patches. This pattern—patchy hair loss with scaly scalp—differs from other conditions: scabies causes itching and a body-area rash, not focal hair loss; pityriasis capitis (dandruff) involves flakes without hair loss; and pediculosis capitis (lice) brings itching with visible nits on hair but not the characteristic patchy hair loss. When you see patchy hair loss with scalp scaling, think tinea capitis and guide the client to seek medical evaluation for proper antifungal treatment.