Black dots on the scalp of a child

A young child visited the hospital outpatient clinic with a four week history of hair loss and black dots on her scalp. She reported no itching or pain. On physical examination, numerous black dots were observed on her scalp (fig 1). Similar lesions were seen on the scalp of the child’s mother, but not her father.bmj;378/jul28_1/e070218/F1F1f1Fig 1Black dots on the scalpWhat is the diagnosis?AnswerTinea capitis, a common dermatophyte infection of the scalp and hair that mostly occurs in children.1Black dot tinea capitis represents endothrix infection (where fungal spores invade the hair shaft) from species such as Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton violaceum, and Microsporum audouinii.1 It is characterised by patches of alopecia with hair shafts broken off at scalp level, leading to a “black dot” appearance on the scalp.2This fungal infection is highly contagious,1 and family members in the same household are often infected.3 Screen family members and close contacts…
Read Original Article: Black dots on the scalp of a child »